CSLB Law & Business ExamSafetyMedium
A contractor plans to excavate a trench that will reach 5 feet in depth for a sewer line installation. Before beginning the excavation, what must the contractor first obtain?
- AWritten approval from the property's homeowner's association
- BAn annual excavation permit from the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA)
- CNo permit is needed if the trench will be backfilled within 24 hours
- DA variance from the local building department only
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. An annual excavation permit from the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA)
California Labor Code §6500 requires contractors performing excavations 5 feet or deeper to obtain a permit from Cal/OSHA before beginning work, regardless of how quickly the trench will be backfilled.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. HOA approval relates to property matters, not safety permitting.
- C. Backfill speed does not exempt a contractor from the permit requirement.
- D. Building department variances address zoning/construction, not worker safety excavation permits.
Cal/OSHA Excavation Permit
Contractors must obtain a permit from Cal/OSHA under Labor Code §6500 before excavating a trench 5 feet or deeper.
- Applies to trenches/excavations of 5 feet or more
- Permit obtained annually, valid for a specified period
- Required regardless of trench duration or backfill timing
Memory trick: Five feet down, get the permit found