In a trench deep enough to require a ladder, the worker must not be required to travel more than _____ to get to the ladder?

In a trench deep enough to require a ladder, the worker must not be required to travel more than _____ to get to the ladder?

• A. three steps
• B. 10 feet
• C. 25 feet
• D. 15 feet

Answer: (C)

In trenches that are deep enough to need a ladder, there must be a safe means of egress within a limited reach of every worker. The required maximum travel distance to reach that ladder is 25 feet. This rule exists to ensure workers can exit quickly in an emergency and minimize exposure to a potential cave-in or hazardous conditions. While shorter distances like a few steps or ten or fifteen feet might seem convenient, the standard sets twenty-five feet as the limit to guarantee a reachable exit from anywhere in the trench. Place ladders so the distance to the nearest ladder never exceeds twenty-five feet, and ensure the ladder extends at least three feet above the trench edge for a safe exit.

In trenches that are deep enough to need a ladder, there must be a safe means of egress within a limited reach of every worker. The required maximum travel distance to reach that ladder is 25 feet. This rule exists to ensure workers can exit quickly in an emergency and minimize exposure to a potential cave-in or hazardous conditions. While shorter distances like a few steps or ten or fifteen feet might seem convenient, the standard sets twenty-five feet as the limit to guarantee a reachable exit from anywhere in the trench. Place ladders so the distance to the nearest ladder never exceeds twenty-five feet, and ensure the ladder extends at least three feet above the trench edge for a safe exit.