Safety Protocols & Compliance Flashcards

Unless the excavation is made entirely in stable rock, at what depth does OSHA require a protective system for trenches?

Answer: 5 feet

1926.652(a)(1) requires protective systems in excavations 5 feet deep or greater unless in stable rock.

A trench planned to be 22 feet deep requires a protective system designed by whom?

Answer: A registered professional engineer

Protective systems for excavations deeper than 20 feet must be designed by a registered professional engineer.

In trench excavations 4 feet or more deep, a stairway, ladder, or ramp must be located so lateral travel to it is no more than:

Answer: 25 feet

1926.651(c)(2) requires a means of egress within 25 feet of lateral travel for workers in trenches 4 feet or deeper.

Excavated spoil and equipment must be kept at least how far from the edge of an excavation?

Answer: 2 feet

1926.651(j)(2) requires materials and equipment to be placed at least 2 feet from the excavation edge or retained by barriers.

What is the maximum allowable slope (H:V) for a simple sloped excavation less than 20 feet deep in Type C soil?

Answer: 1½:1

Appendix B of Subpart P limits Type C soil slopes to 1½:1 (about 34 degrees).

When must a competent person inspect an excavation and its protective systems?

Answer: Daily before work starts, as needed during the shift, and after rainstorms or other hazard-increasing events

1926.651(k) requires daily inspections before work and after any occurrence that could increase hazards, such as rain.

Atmospheric testing for oxygen deficiency or hazardous atmospheres is required before entry into excavations deeper than:

Answer: 4 feet

1926.651(g)(1) requires atmospheric testing where hazardous atmospheres could reasonably exist in excavations over 4 feet deep.