SafetyQuestion 90 of 690

An excavation or trench that is 5 feet deep or deeper must be:

a.Covered with steel plates
b.Inspected by the building department only
c.Roped off with caution tape only
d.Protected with a shoring system, sloping, or shielding (trench box)

Explanation

Cal/OSHA requires protective systems (shoring, sloping/benching, or trench boxes) for all excavations and trenches 5 feet or more deep where workers will enter. Unprotected trenches are a leading cause of fatalities.

Law Reference: 8 CCR §1541

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