You are digging a trench 2.0 metres deep in Type 2 soil. If a simple benching system is to be used, what is the minimum width of the lowest bench for worker entry, and the maximum vertical distance for the lowest cut, according to best practice and OHS guidelines for Type 2 soil?

Question: You are digging a trench 2.0 metres deep in Type 2 soil. If a simple benching system is to be used, what is the minimum width of the lowest bench for worker entry, and the maximum vertical distance for the lowest cut, according to best practice and OHS guidelines for Type 2 soil?

Answer options: ✅ 0.6m wide bench, 1.2m vertical cut

• 0.6m wide bench, 0.9m vertical cut
• 1.0m wide bench, 1.2m vertical cut
• 1.2m wide bench, 1.5m vertical cut

Correct answer: 0.6m wide bench, 1.2m vertical cut

Explanation: While exact benching dimensions can vary based on specific engineering, general OHS best practices (e.g., O. Reg. 213/91, Section 233(4)) for Type 2 soil suggest a maximum vertical cut of 1.2 metres for the lowest part of the benching system if it's then sloped or benched, and a minimum clear working width of 0.6 metres for any bench workers might use.