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On a construction site, at what trench depth is a cave-in protective system generally required?

5 feet or deeper, unless the trench is entirely in stable rock.

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  1. 3 feet
  2. 4 feet
  3. 5 feet ✔

Why: 1926.652(a)(1) requires a protective system in excavations 5 feet or deeper, unless they are entirely in stable rock.

Huh, didn't know that: Under 5 feet, no protective system is needed only if a competent person finds no sign of a possible cave-in.

The dad joke
Why did the trench get protection? It was 5 feet deep in thought.
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References

Answer: 5 feet. 1926.652(a)(1) requires a protective system in excavations 5 feet or deeper, unless they are entirely in stable rock.

  1. 29 CFR 1926.652(a)(1) www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/29/1926.652
    (i) Excavations are made entirely in stable rock; or (ii) Excavations are less than 5 feet (1.52m) in depth
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  2. OSHA Trenching and Excavation fact sheet www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/trench_excavation_fs.pdf
    Trenches 5 feet (1.5 meters) deep or greater require a protective system unless the excavation is made entirely in stable rock.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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