OSHA 10-Hour Construction ReviewExcavationsHard
A construction project involves an excavation that is 20 feet deep. According to OSHA standards, what specific requirement applies to protective systems for excavations of this depth?
- AOnly sloping is permitted for excavations over 15 feet deep.
- BA trench shield is suitable for any depth, provided it is properly rated.
- CAll protective systems must be designed by a registered professional engineer.
- DThe competent person can design and approve any protective system up to 25 feet deep.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. All protective systems must be designed by a registered professional engineer.
OSHA regulations (29 CFR 1926.652(b)(4)) explicitly state that for excavations 20 feet (6.1 meters) or greater in depth, protective systems shall be designed by a registered professional engineer or be based on tabulated data prepared or approved by a registered professional engineer.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This is incorrect; other protective systems like shoring or shielding are also permitted if designed appropriately, and sloping may not always be feasible or safe for deep excavations.
- B. While trench shields are used, for depths of 20 feet or more, their use and specifications must still be part of a design by a registered professional engineer or based on engineered tabulated data.
- D. The competent person can design systems up to 20 feet deep if they meet certain prescriptive requirements or use tabulated data, but for 20 feet or greater, a registered professional engineer is specifically required for the design.
Deep Excavation Design
For excavations 20 feet (6.1 meters) or greater in depth, all protective systems must be designed by a registered professional engineer (RPE) or based on tabulated data approved by an RPE.
- Applies to excavations 20 feet or deeper.
- Mandates RPE involvement for protective system design.
- Ensures structural integrity for high-risk excavations.
- Tabulated data must also be RPE-approved.
Memory trick: Deep Digs Demand Engineer's Design