MEOC Excavation Techniques & Site Management 4

Question 1

What is the purpose of a 'catch berm' installed downhill from an active excavation?

Accepted Answer

To prevent runoff and eroded material from leaving the site

Answer

To provide a spoil storage area

Answer

To mark the excavation boundary for traffic control

Answer

To act as a counterweight for slope stability

Question 2

When excavating in Type C soil, OSHA requires the maximum allowable slope for a simple slope excavation greater than 20 feet deep to be:

Accepted Answer

1.5:1 (H:V)

Answer

3/4:1 (H:V)

Answer

1:1 (H:V)

Answer

2:1 (H:V)

Question 3

During site grading, you need to match an existing grade at a property line. What is the best technique?

Accepted Answer

Use a laser level or grade rod to continuously verify elevation as you work

Answer

Estimate by eye and check at the end of the shift

Answer

Grade 6 inches low and let the owner adjust

Answer

Set a single hub stake and grade toward it from all directions

Question 4

What is 'cut to fill' balancing on a grading project?

Accepted Answer

Calculating excavated material volume to match the volume needed for embankment fill

Answer

Using the same bucket for cutting and filling operations

Answer

Alternating between cutting and compacting in 10-minute cycles

Answer

Keeping the cut face and fill face at equal elevation at all times

Question 5

A dewatering pump fails during a deep excavation and water begins rising in the trench. What is the priority action?

Accepted Answer

Evacuate all personnel from the trench immediately

Answer

Accelerate excavation to outpace the water

Answer

Lower additional buckets to bail water

Answer

Call for a replacement pump before any other action

Question 6

What does a 'benchmark' serve as in excavation site management?

Accepted Answer

A fixed reference point of known elevation used to establish all other grades on site

Answer

A test hole used to verify soil classification

Answer

A measurement of daily production output

Answer

A stake marking the center line of a trench

Question 7

When excavating over a buried fuel storage tank area, what additional precaution must be taken?

Accepted Answer

Test for vapor concentration before and during excavation in the area

Answer

Use only electric-powered excavators to reduce spark risk

Answer

Increase bucket speed to minimize exposure time

Answer

Position the machine downwind of the excavation