A landscape contractor is excavating a trench for a new drainage pipe. The trench is 3 feet deep, and the soil is stable. According to Cal/OSHA regulations, which of the following protective systems is required for this excavation?
- ANo protective system is specifically required
- BSloping or benching the trench walls
- CShielding (trench box) the workers
- DShoring the trench walls
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. No protective system is specifically required
Cal/OSHA regulations (8 CCR 1541.1(a)(1)) state that each employee in an excavation shall be protected from cave-ins by an adequate protective system, *except* when excavations are made entirely in stable rock or when they are less than 5 feet in depth and examination by a competent person provides no indication of a potential cave-in. Since the trench is 3 feet deep and the soil is stable, no protective system is specifically required.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Sloping or benching is a protective system, but not required for trenches less than 5 feet deep in stable soil.
- C. Shielding (trench box) is a protective system, but not required for trenches less than 5 feet deep in stable soil.
- D. Shoring is a protective system, but not required for trenches less than 5 feet deep in stable soil.
Cal/OSHA Trench < 5ft (Stable Soil)
Cal/OSHA does not specifically require a protective system for excavations less than 5 feet deep if a competent person determines there is no indication of a potential cave-in and the soil is stable.
- Applies to trenches less than 5 feet deep.
- Requires a competent person's assessment.
- Protective systems are mandatory for deeper or unstable excavations.
Memory trick: Five feet is the 'safe' depth line.