Shoring or sloping of trench walls is required for trenches deeper than what depth?

• A. 3 feet
• B. 4 feet
• C. 5 feet
• D. 6 feet

Answer: (B)

Shoring or sloping of trench walls is required for trenches deeper than 4 feet due to safety concerns regarding the potential for cave-ins. At this depth, the risk of soil instability increases significantly, and proper shoring or sloping becomes essential to protect workers within the trench.

According to safety regulations and guidelines, trenches that reach 4 feet or deeper must utilize protective measures to prevent hazardous situations. These measures ensure that the sides of the trench are adequately supported, either through shoring, which involves the use of supportive frames, or sloping, which entails angling the walls of the trench to reduce the risk of collapsing soil.

Trenches deeper than this threshold require these safety measures given that the weight of the soil increases with depth, and the cohesive properties of the soil may not be sufficient to maintain stability without reinforcement. Thus, trench safety protocols mandate these precautions specifically at 4 feet to mitigate risks and safeguard workers from accidents related to trench collapses.