Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). Class C Water License Exam

Excavation greater than what depth requires OSHA approved shoring equipment?

1. 2 feet

2. 3 feet

3. 5 feet

4. 7 feet

The correct answer is: 5 feet

When dealing with excavation safety, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established clear guidelines regarding trench safety to protect workers. Excavations that reach a depth of 5 feet or greater require the use of shoring equipment or an alternative protective system to prevent cave-ins, which can pose serious risks to workers in the trench. At depths of 5 feet or more, the potential for soil collapse increases significantly, necessitating the reinforcement of the excavation walls with shoring, shielding, or other methods to keep workers safe. The use of appropriate safety equipment becomes critical because cave-ins can occur suddenly and without warning. By requiring shoring at this specific depth, OSHA aims to help ensure that any personnel working in or around trenches are adequately protected from hazardous conditions. Thus, 5 feet is the threshold at which it is mandated to employ shoring equipment, validating that the answer is correct.