Codes & SafetyQuestion 116 of 120
A trench 5 ft deep and 90 ft long is open, with workers spread along its full length installing pipe. What is the minimum number of ladders required and how must they be placed?
a.Two, placed so that no worker has more than 25 ft of lateral travel to reach a means of egress
b.None, because a ladder is required only in trenches 6 ft deep or greater
c.One, placed at the midpoint of the trench
d.Four, one for every 25 ft of trench length
Explanation
Trenches 4 ft deep or more need a stairway, ladder, ramp or other safe means of exit located so that a worker travels no more than 25 ft laterally to reach it, so each ladder serves 25 ft in each direction, or 50 ft of trench. Ninety feet therefore needs two ladders, positioned so their 50 ft zones overlap and cover the whole length. The depth trigger is 4 ft, not 6 ft, so doing nothing is a violation. A single ladder at the midpoint leaves workers at the ends 45 ft from egress, and four ladders exceeds what the rule requires.
Law Reference: 29 CFR 1926.651(c)(2)Practice all 120 questions free — no signup required.
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