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Trenching & Excavation Safety Specialist Practice Exam 100 Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
- What is the minimum depth at which a trench requires a protective
- 3 feet
- 4 feet
- 5 feet
- 6 feet
system?
Rationale: OSHA requires protective systems for trenches 5 feet or deeper
unless made entirely in stable rock.
- A competent person must inspect excavations and adjacent areas: 1 / 4
- Monthly
- Weekly
- Biweekly
- Daily and as needed after conditions change
Rationale: Inspections must occur daily and after any condition changes
like rain or vibrations.
- What is the primary hazard associated with trenching?
- Heat exposure
- Cave-ins
- Noise
- Falling objects
Rationale: Cave-ins are the leading cause of fatalities in trenching
operations.
- How far back must spoil piles be kept from the trench edge?
- 1 foot
- 3 feet
- 2 feet
- 6 feet
Rationale: OSHA requires spoil and heavy equipment to be at least 2 feet
from trench edges. 2 / 4
- Which soil type is the most stable?
- Type C
- Type A
- Type B
- Type D
Rationale: Type A is the most stable soil classification under OSHA.
- Benching is NOT allowed in which soil type?
- Type A
- Type B
- Type C
- Type B-1
Rationale: Type C soils are too unstable for benching methods.
- Which of the following is considered a trench?
- Excavation wider than it is deep
- Excavation with sloped walls
- Narrow excavation deeper than it is wide
- Any hole over 3 feet deep
Rationale: A trench is defined as a narrow excavation where the depth is
greater than the width. 3 / 4
- What is the maximum allowable slope for Type B soil?
A. 1:1
B. 1:1.5
C. 1:2
D. 2:1
Rationale: OSHA specifies a 1:1.5 (34°) slope for Type B soil.
- Ladders used for access in trenches must extend above the trench edge
by:
- 1 foot
- 2 feet
- 3 feet
- 4 feet
Rationale: Ladders must extend at least 3 feet above the landing surface.
10. Access/egress must be provided at intervals of:
- 15 feet
- 25 feet
- 50 feet
- 75 feet
- / 4
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