Excavations in Construction

What two requirements must be met so that a trench does not need to have a protective system installed? Select all that apply.

• The trench will be less than 5 feet deep or made entirely out of stable rock.

• A competent person has examined the ground and finds no indication of a potential cave-in.

• The trench will be greater than 10 feet deep.

There are ways to protect yourself when excavating. Which of the following is a way to protect yourself when working around excavations?

• Slope or bench the sides of the excavation and support the sides of the excavation.

• Have a competent person identify that the work site is hazardous; no employees can declare an excavation unsafe.

• Support systems, shield systems, or other protective systems should be used only when the excavation is 10 feet in depth or deeper.

• Place a shield outside the work area.

An excavation is at risk for a cave-in because the walls of the excavation are unstable. What type of excavation protection will address this situation?

• Fall prevention

• Oxygen deficiency and toxic fumes

• Shoring

What is the minimum distance that excavation materials, tools, and other supplies be kept back from the excavation's edge?

• 1 foot

• 2 feet

• 7.5 feet

• 25 feet

Whose responsibility is it to keep excavated dirt, rocks, and other materials back a sufficient distance from the excavation’s edge?

• Employer

• Employee

Whose responsibility is it to correct hazards which can be corrected?

• Employer

• Employee