At what trench depth must proper shoring be provided?

At what trench depth must proper shoring be provided?

• A. 5 ft deep
• B. 6 ft deep
• C. 50 ft long
• D. a gas line

Answer: (A)

Protective systems are required whenever a trench becomes deep enough that the walls could cave in and trap a worker. Once that depth is reached, shoring (or another protective method) must be in place before continuing work. This rule exists to prevent cave-ins and keep workers safe in wastewater collection trenching. The other factors listed—how long the trench is or whether a gas line is present—do not by themselves determine when shoring must be used; depth-based risk is the trigger for applying protective systems.

Protective systems are required whenever a trench becomes deep enough that the walls could cave in and trap a worker. Once that depth is reached, shoring (or another protective method) must be in place before continuing work. This rule exists to prevent cave-ins and keep workers safe in wastewater collection trenching. The other factors listed—how long the trench is or whether a gas line is present—do not by themselves determine when shoring must be used; depth-based risk is the trigger for applying protective systems.