Under OSHA 29 CFR 1926.652, what is the maximum allowable depth for an excavation in Type C soil before sloping or shoring is required?
Correct Answer
C) 5 feet
OSHA requires protective systems (sloping, benching, or shoring) for excavations 5 feet or deeper in Type C soil, which is the least stable soil classification. This is a critical safety requirement to prevent cave-ins.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Under OSHA 29 CFR 1926.652, excavations in Type C soil require protective systems (sloping, benching, or shoring) when they reach 5 feet or deeper. Type C soil is the least stable soil classification, including granular soils, submerged soil, or soil from which water is freely seeping. The 5-foot threshold is specifically established to prevent cave-ins and protect workers from serious injury or death in unstable soil conditions.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: 6 feet
6 feet exceeds the maximum allowable depth for Type C soil excavations. OSHA requires protective systems at 5 feet, not 6 feet. This depth might apply to more stable soil types, but Type C soil's instability necessitates earlier intervention.
Option B: 8 feet
8 feet is significantly beyond the safe threshold for Type C soil excavations. This depth would be extremely dangerous without protective systems in unstable Type C soil conditions and violates OSHA safety requirements.
Option D: 4 feet
4 feet is below the required threshold. While being more conservative than required isn't wrong from a safety perspective, OSHA specifically allows excavations up to 5 feet in Type C soil before requiring protective systems.
Memory Technique
Remember 'Type C = 5' - Type C soil (least stable) requires protection at 5 feet. Think 'C for Caution at 5.'
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?