CHST - Construction Health and Safety Technician Excavation and Trenching Safety Questions and Answers

Question 1

According to 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P, what is the maximum lateral distance a worker may travel within a trench to reach a means of egress?

Accepted Answer

25 feet

Answer

15 feet

Answer

50 feet

Answer

100 feet

Question 2

A construction site has an 8-foot deep trench dug entirely in Type A soil. The competent person has observed that heavy vehicle traffic is causing vibrations near the trench. Which of the following is the correct action for the competent person to take?

Accepted Answer

Reclassify the soil and adjust the protective system accordingly.

Answer

No action is needed as Type A soil is the most stable.

Answer

Slope the trench at an angle of 53 degrees.

Answer

Install a warning system for the mobile equipment.

Question 3

A contractor is excavating a trench that will be 22 feet deep. Which of the following is required for the protective system design?

Accepted Answer

Design by a registered professional engineer.

Answer

Approval by the site's competent person.

Answer

Selection from the manufacturer's tabulated data.

Answer

Benching appropriate for Type B soil.

Question 4

During a daily inspection, a competent person notices water accumulating in the bottom of a 6-foot deep trench. Which of the following is a primary and immediate responsibility of the competent person?

Accepted Answer

Remove exposed employees from the hazardous area.

Answer

Document the finding in the daily log.

Answer

Monitor the water level to see if it increases.

Answer

Continue work as long as the water is below boot level.

Question 5

Which of the following is a key requirement for storing excavated soil and other materials relative to the trench?

Accepted Answer

They must be placed at least 2 feet from the edge.

Answer

They must be stored uphill from the excavation.

Answer

They can be placed at the edge if a barricade is used.

Answer

They must be hauled off-site by the end of each shift.

Question 6

A competent person performs a daily inspection of an excavation, its adjacent areas, and protective systems. When must these inspections be conducted?

Accepted Answer

Prior to the start of work and as needed throughout the shift.

Answer

Only at the beginning of the work shift.

Answer

Only after a rainstorm or other hazard-increasing event.

Answer

At the end of the day to prepare for the next shift.