CSLB Law & Business ExamSafetyEasy
A contractor is excavating a trench 5 feet deep for a foundation footing. Cal/OSHA requires a ladder, ramp, or other safe means of egress in trenches 4 feet or more in depth. What is the maximum lateral travel distance an employee may be required to travel to reach that means of egress?
- A50 feet
- B10 feet
- C15 feet
- D25 feet
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. 25 feet
Cal/OSHA excavation standards require that in trenches 4 feet or deeper, a means of egress (ladder, ramp, or steps) be located so that no employee has to travel more than 25 feet laterally to reach it.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 50 feet exceeds the allowed distance and would leave workers too far from safety.
- B. 10 feet is far shorter than the actual regulatory maximum.
- C. 15 feet is not the correct regulatory distance.
Trench Egress Spacing
For trenches 4 feet or deeper, a safe means of egress must be within 25 feet of lateral travel for any worker in the trench.
- Applies to trenches 4 feet or deeper
- Ladders, ramps, or steps qualify
- Maximum lateral travel distance is 25 feet
Memory trick: Twenty-five feet to flee — that's the trench egress rule.