An excavation project requires a trench 8 feet deep and 150 feet long. According to OSHA 29 CFR 1926.652, what is required for worker protection?
Correct Answer
B) Shoring or sloping system
OSHA requires protective systems (shoring, sloping, or shielding) for excavations 5 feet or deeper. At 8 feet deep, this excavation definitely requires a protective system to prevent cave-ins.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
OSHA 29 CFR 1926.652 mandates that excavations 5 feet or deeper must have protective systems to prevent cave-ins and protect workers. At 8 feet deep, this trench exceeds the 5-foot threshold and requires either shoring, sloping, or shielding systems. The regulation gives contractors flexibility to choose the most appropriate protective system based on soil conditions, space constraints, and project requirements.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: Warning signs only
Warning signs alone provide no physical protection against cave-ins and soil collapse. While signs may be part of a comprehensive safety plan, they cannot prevent the excavation walls from failing and burying workers.
Option C: Sloping only
Safety harnesses alone do not protect against cave-ins, which are the primary hazard in deep excavations. Harnesses are fall protection equipment and would not prevent soil collapse or protect workers from being buried in a trench cave-in.
Memory Technique
Remember 'Five to Stay Alive' - excavations 5 feet or deeper need protective systems to keep workers alive and safe from cave-ins.
Reference Hint
OSHA Construction Standards 29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart P - Excavations, specifically section 1926.652 on protective systems
More Business & Finance Questions
A general contractor purchases equipment worth $45,000 with a useful life of 9 years and no salvage value. Using straight-line depreciation, what is the annual depreciation expense?
What is the typical recommended coverage amount for general liability insurance for a small to medium-sized general contracting business?
A contractor estimates startup costs of $75,000 for equipment, $25,000 for initial inventory, $15,000 for insurance premiums, and $10,000 for working capital. They can finance 70% of the total. How much cash do they need?
When establishing professional relationships with architects and engineers, what is the most important factor for a general contractor to consider?
A partnership agreement for a construction company should address all of the following EXCEPT:
A contractor purchases a truck for $60,000. After 5 years, it has accumulated depreciation of $35,000. What is the truck's book value?
A contractor's business plan projects first-year revenue of $500,000 with a 15% net profit margin. If actual revenue is $450,000 with the same profit margin, what is the variance in net profit?
Using the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS), construction equipment is typically depreciated over how many years?
A contractor is comparing financing options for equipment purchase. Option A: $80,000 cash purchase. Option B: $20,000 down, $65,000 financed at 6% for 4 years. What is the total cost of Option B?
A contractor purchases equipment using a capital lease with a present value of $120,000. How should this be recorded on the balance sheet?