OSHA 10-Hour Construction ReviewExcavationsEasy
A construction crew is working in a trench that is 8 feet deep. The soil has been classified as Type C. What is the minimum required horizontal distance from the edge of the excavation that excavated materials (spoil piles) must be kept?
- A1 foot
- B2 feet
- C3 feet
- D4 feet
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. 2 feet
OSHA mandates that spoil piles and other materials must be kept at least 2 feet back from the edge of excavations. This prevents materials from falling into the trench and reduces the surcharge load on the trench walls.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This distance is insufficient and poses a risk of material falling into the trench or increasing surcharge.
- C. While safer, 3 feet is not the minimum regulatory requirement.
- D. While safer, 4 feet is not the minimum regulatory requirement.
Spoil Pile Setback
The minimum horizontal distance excavated material (spoil) must be kept from the edge of an excavation to prevent it from falling back into the trench and to reduce the surcharge load on the trench walls.
- Minimum distance is 2 feet from the edge.
- Prevents materials from falling into the trench.
- Reduces surcharge load, enhancing trench stability.
Memory trick: Don't let the 'spoil' spoil the 'space'.