CHST CHST - Construction Health and Safety Technician Excavation and Trenching Safety Questions and Answers 3

Question 1

What test method is commonly used in the field to determine soil classification for excavation safety?

Accepted Answer

Thumb penetration test

Answer

The thumb penetration test is a manual field method used to estimate soil cohesion and help classify soil as Type A, B, or C.

Question 2

According to OSHA, how often must a competent person inspect excavations where workers are exposed to hazards?

Accepted Answer

Daily and after every rainstorm

Answer

A competent person must inspect excavations daily before each shift, after rainstorms, and after any event that could increase the hazard of cave-in.

Question 3

What is the primary purpose of a benching system in excavation safety?

Accepted Answer

To reduce the risk of cave-in by creating a series of horizontal steps

Answer

Benching creates horizontal steps or levels in the excavation walls, reducing the mass of unsupported soil and lowering the risk of cave-in.

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT an acceptable method of worker egress from a trench that is 4 feet or more in depth?

Accepted Answer

Being lifted out by a backhoe bucket

Answer

Using a backhoe bucket to lift workers out of a trench is never an acceptable means of egress and violates OSHA safety standards.

Question 5

What must be done before excavation begins when underground utilities may be present in the work area?

Accepted Answer

The contractor must contact utility companies or the local one-call system to locate utilities

Answer

Before any excavation, the contractor must contact utility companies or use the local one-call system (such as 811) to have underground utilities located and marked.

CHST - Construction Health and Safety Technician Practice Test

CHST - Construction Health and Safety Technician Practice Test

CHST CHST - Construction Health and Safety Technician Excavation and Trenching Safety Questions and Answers 3