SafetyQuestion 318 of 360
A plumber is digging a trench to reach a broken sewer main. At what excavation depth does Cal/OSHA first require a protective system such as sloping, shoring, or a trench shield to guard against cave-ins?
a.5 feet or greater
b.3 feet or greater
c.8 feet or greater
d.10 feet or greater
Explanation
Under Title 8 §1541.1, a protective system is required whenever an excavation is 5 feet or more in depth, unless the excavation is made entirely in stable rock. Below 5 feet a protective system may still be required if a competent person finds evidence of a potential cave-in. Cave-ins are the leading cause of death in trench work.
Law Reference: Cal/OSHA Title 8 §1541.1Practice all 360 questions free — no signup required.
Related questions on this topic
- Cal/OSHA requires that a 'competent person' oversee trenching operations. What best describes this person's authority on the jobsite?
- While excavating a trench, the crew is piling the removed dirt (spoil) beside the opening. What is the minimum distance the spoil pile must be kept back from the edge of the trench?
- A plumber is working in a trench 5 feet deep and 60 feet long installing pipe. Cal/OSHA requires a means of egress (ladder, ramp, or steps). How far must a worker ever have to travel laterally to reach that egress?
- A very deep sewer excavation reaches 22 feet. What does Cal/OSHA require regarding the protective system for a trench deeper than 20 feet?
- A crew chooses to slope the walls of a trench instead of shoring it. The soil has been classified as Type C (the least stable, such as loose sand or wet soil). What is the maximum allowable slope for Type C soil?
- Cal/OSHA recognizes several methods of protecting workers from trench cave-ins. Which of the following is a recognized protective method?
Last reviewed: · editorial process
PrepPass Editorial Team · Verified against California CSLB C-36 Plumbing Trade Examination · How we review