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Excavator Operator Certification Exam Prep · Question

An excavator operator is digging a trench in clay soil. The trench will be 1.8 metres deep, 4.0 metres long, and 0.9 metres wide. The soil is classified as Type B, according to OSHA standards, which are often referenced in Canadian practices. What is the minimum required sloping angle for this trench if no shoring system is used, according to best practices and the OHS guidelines for Type B soil?

For Type B cohesive soil, the maximum allowable slope for trenches up to 6.1 metres (20 feet) deep is 1.5H:1V (34 degrees) from the horizontal. This ratio ensur

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Question: An excavator operator is digging a trench in clay soil. The trench will be 1.8 metres deep, 4.0 metres long, and 0.9 metres wide. The soil is classified as Type B, according to OSHA standards, which are often referenced in Canadian practices. What is the minimum required sloping angle for this trench if no shoring system is used, according to best practices and the OHS guidelines for Type B soil?

Answer options:

  • 1H:1V (45 degrees) ✅ 1.5H:1V (34 degrees)
  • 0.75H:1V (53 degrees)
  • 2H:1V (26.5 degrees)

Correct answer: 1.5H:1V (34 degrees)

Explanation: For Type B cohesive soil, the maximum allowable slope for trenches up to 6.1 metres (20 feet) deep is 1.5H:1V (34 degrees) from the horizontal. This ratio ensures adequate stability for moderately stable soils. Other ratios are incorrect for Type B soil.

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