OSHA 10-Hour Construction ReviewFocus Four HazardsMedium
A construction crew is performing trenching operations for a new utility line. The trench is 6 feet deep, 3 feet wide, and 20 feet long in Type B soil. What is the minimum horizontal distance from the edge of the trench that excavated material must be placed?
- A2 feet
- B1 foot
- C3 feet
- D4 feet
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. 2 feet
OSHA requires that excavated material ('spoil piles') be placed at least 2 feet (0.61 meters) from the edge of the excavation. This prevents material from falling back into the trench and reduces the load on the trench wall.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. 1 foot is insufficient and increases the risk of materials falling back into the trench.
- C. 3 feet is safer but not the minimum required distance by OSHA.
- D. 4 feet is even safer but exceeds the minimum required distance.
Excavation Spoil Pile Distance
Excavated material must be kept at least 2 feet from the edge of a trench or excavation.
- Prevents materials from falling back into the trench.
- Reduces surcharge load on trench walls.
- A critical safety measure to prevent 'caught-in/between' hazards.
Memory trick: Two feet away keeps the dirt at bay.