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Trenching practice questions

16 questions from the heavy equipment operator practice test.

Trenching practice test

10 questions, graded as you go, with the reason for every answer. No sign-up.

What this covers

Sample questions

About how much can one cubic yard of soil weigh?

  1. 300 pounds
  2. 3,000 pounds
  3. 1,000 pounds
  4. 10,000 pounds
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B. 3,000 pounds

A cubic yard of soil commonly weighs around 3,000 pounds, about as much as a small car, which is why even a small cave-in crushes and suffocates. Underestimating that weight is why workers think they can dig themselves out.

Reference: OSHA Trenching and Excavation Safety (OSHA 2226)

An operator is casting spoil beside a trench. How far back from the edge must the pile be kept if no retaining device is used?

  1. At least 6 inches
  2. At least 1 foot
  3. At least 2 feet
  4. At least 4 feet
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C. At least 2 feet

Excavated material and equipment are kept at least 2 feet back so they cannot roll in or surcharge the trench wall. One foot is a common habit on tight sites, but it does not meet the rule.

Reference: 29 CFR 1926.651(j)(2)

Who must inspect a trench, and how often, when workers will be in it?

  1. A competent person, daily and after events such as rain
  2. The equipment operator, at the end of each week
  3. The project engineer, once before any digging starts on site
  4. Any crew member, whenever the trench is deepened
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A. A competent person, daily and after events such as rain

A competent person inspects the excavation, adjacent areas and protective systems before each shift, as needed during it, and after rainstorms or anything else that could increase the hazard. A single inspection before the dig misses changing conditions.

Reference: 29 CFR 1926.651(k)(1)

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