Excavation and Trench Safety Practice Questions
Trench cave-ins are a leading cause of construction deaths. Tap a question to reveal the answer and a short explanation.
1. How often must a competent person inspect an excavation?
Answer: Daily before work starts, and as needed
Inspections are also needed after rain, vibration or other changes.
2. How far from the edge must spoil piles and equipment be kept?
Answer: At least 2 feet
Keeping materials back prevents them from falling in or adding load to the walls.
3. In trenches 4 feet or deeper, how close must a way out be?
Answer: Within 25 feet of lateral travel for workers
Ladders, stairs or ramps must be placed so workers never have more than 25 feet to travel.
4. Which of these is a protective system for trenches?
Answer: A trench box (shield), sloping or shoring
Protective systems prevent cave-ins by sloping, supporting or shielding the walls.
5. Excavations deeper than 20 feet need a protective system designed by...
Answer: A registered professional engineer
Very deep excavations require engineered protective systems.
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