Massachusetts Construction Supervisor License (CSL) Practice Test

When working in a trench a ladder to exit the trench must always be a maximum of how many feet away?

1. A. 15 feet

2. B. 20 feet

3. C. 25 feet

4. D. 30 feet

The correct answer is: C. 25 feet

In trenching operations, safety regulations are in place to ensure that workers can exit a trench quickly in case of an emergency. The requirement that a ladder must be no more than 25 feet away from a worker in a trench is designed to minimize the distance to safety and prevent potential accidents in case of a cave-in or other dangerous situations. This distance allows workers easy access to the ladder, encouraging its use and reducing the risk of falls or hazards associated with trying to escape the trench. Ladders must be placed at regular intervals and are critical for worker safety when working at depths where the risk of trench collapses exists. The 25-foot rule helps maintain safety precautions and ensures compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards and regulations regarding trench safety. The other distances provided may not meet the requirements set forth by these safety standards.