OSHA 10-Hour Construction ReviewFocus Four HazardsEasy
A trench is being excavated for a utility line. The trench is 5 feet deep, 3 feet wide, and 20 feet long. According to OSHA, what is the minimum distance that excavated material (spoil pile) must be kept from the edge of the trench?
- A1 foot
- B3 feet
- C4 feet
- D2 feet
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. 2 feet
OSHA requires that excavated material (spoil piles) be kept at least 2 feet from the edge of the excavation. This prevents the material from falling back into the trench, causing a cave-in, or striking workers below.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 1 foot is insufficient and does not meet the OSHA requirement.
- B. 3 feet is more than the minimum but not the exact OSHA minimum requirement.
- C. 4 feet is also more than the minimum but not the exact OSHA minimum requirement.
Excavation Spoil Pile Distance
OSHA's requirement for how far excavated material must be placed from the edge of a trench or excavation.
- Prevents material from rolling back into the excavation.
- Reduces additional load on excavation walls.
- Minimum distance is 2 feet (0.61 meters).
Memory trick: Spoil pile: 'Two' feet back, for your 'Two' feet!