CHST Excavation and Trenching Safety 2

Question 1

Under OSHA 1926.650, what is the definition of an 'excavation'?

Accepted Answer

Any man-made cut, cavity, trench, or depression in the earth's surface formed by earth removal

Answer

OSHA 1926.650 defines an excavation as any man-made cut, cavity, trench, or depression in the earth's surface formed by earth removal, regardless of depth.

Question 2

Which OSHA soil classification represents the least stable, most hazardous condition for excavation work?

Accepted Answer

Type C

Answer

Type C is the least stable soil classification under OSHA 1926.652, requiring the most conservative protective system design. It includes cohesionless soils like gravel, sand, and loamy sand, and soils subject to water seepage.

Question 3

How far must excavated soil and materials (spoil pile) be kept from the edge of an excavation under OSHA 1926.651?

Accepted Answer

At least 2 feet from the edge

Answer

OSHA 1926.651(j)(2) requires that excavated material and equipment be kept at least 2 feet from the edges of excavations to prevent cave-in hazards from surcharge loads.

Question 4

Under OSHA 1926.651(c)(2), at what trench depth must a stairway, ladder, ramp, or other safe means of egress be provided?

Accepted Answer

4 feet or more in depth

Answer

OSHA 1926.651(c)(2) requires adequate means of egress in trench excavations 4 feet or more in depth, with the egress point no more than 25 feet of lateral travel from any worker.

Question 5

What must be done before excavation work begins near underground utilities under OSHA 1926.651(b)(3)?

Accepted Answer

Contact utility companies and use detection equipment to determine the location of underground utilities

Answer

OSHA 1926.651(b)(3) requires that the approximate location of underground utilities be determined before opening an excavation, using utility notification systems (811 call), records, and detection equipment.

CHST - Construction Health and Safety Technician Practice Test

CHST - Construction Health and Safety Technician Practice Test

CHST Excavation and Trenching Safety 2