SafetyQuestion 559 of 700

A 7-foot-deep trench in Type C soil will be protected by sloping the walls back rather than using a shield. What is the MAXIMUM allowable slope Cal/OSHA generally permits for Type C soil?

a.Vertical (90 degrees)
b.0.5 horizontal to 1 vertical
c.1 horizontal to 1 vertical
d.1.5 horizontal to 1 vertical

Explanation

For Type C soil, the maximum allowable slope is generally 1.5 horizontal to 1 vertical, about a 34-degree angle from horizontal, because Type C is the least stable soil. Options a and b are far too steep and would risk collapse. Option c (a 45-degree slope) is allowed for more stable Type B soil, not Type C. When soil type is unknown, treat it as Type C and use the flatter slope.

Law Reference: Cal/OSHA Title 8 §1541.1

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