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Excavated soil is being placed along a trench edge while pipe bedding is installed below. What minimum setback or equivalent protection does OSHA require for spoil piles?

Correct Answer

D) Spoils must be kept at least 2 ft from the excavation edge or restrained from falling in

OSHA 1926.651(j)(2) requires employees to be protected from excavated or other materials by placing and keeping them at least 2 ft from the edge of excavations, or by retaining devices sufficient to prevent materials from falling or rolling into excavations. Other choices put surcharge and falling material too close to the trench.

Answer Options
A
Spoils may be right at the edge if the trench is under 6 ft
B
Spoils need only be kept behind warning tape
C
Spoils must be at least 6 ft from the trench edge
D
Spoils must be kept at least 2 ft from the excavation edge or restrained from falling in

Why This Is the Correct Answer

OSHA 1926.651(j)(2) requires employees to be protected from excavated or other materials by placing and keeping them at least 2 ft from the edge of excavations, or by retaining devices sufficient to prevent materials from falling or rolling into excavations. Other choices put surcharge and falling material too close to the trench.

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