OSHA · Jobsite topic

Excavation and Trenching Practice Quiz

Review cave-in protection, soil types, spoil piles, access, and competent-person duties used on excavation work. Original questions for construction workers and Outreach students.

18 questions · About 6 minutes · Last reviewed: August 31, 2026

Educational practice only. This quiz is not OSHA training and does not provide an OSHA card or certification. Disclaimer · See an error? Tell us.

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What this quiz covers

• When a protective system is generally required (the 5-foot rule and related exceptions)
• Sloping, shoring, and shielding — and why a trench box is not a shortcut around a plan
• Spoil piles, surcharge, and keeping materials back from the edge
• Safe access, atmospheric hazards, and the competent person’s role

Common questions

Is this an official OSHA test?

No. Original practice only. Trenching kills workers every year; verify current rules in Subpart P and your employer’s excavation plan.

Who is this for?

Laborers, operators, and supervisors reviewing trench basics before a class or before working around excavations.

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Official source

OSHA trenching and excavation (29 CFR 1926 Subpart P). Original questions; not copied from a commercial course.