At what depth of excavation is a protective system typically required?

A protective system is typically required at excavations that are 5 feet deep or greater to ensure the safety of workers. This regulation is established due to the increased risk of cave-ins and potential hazards associated with deeper excavations. The likelihood of soil instability rises with depth, making it essential to implement protective measures such as trench boxes or shoring systems to prevent accidents.

By establishing the 5-foot depth threshold, safety regulations aim to provide an adequate framework for protective systems that can effectively mitigate the risks associated with deeper excavations, where the consequences of a cave-in would be particularly severe. It's important for workers and employers to adhere to these guidelines to foster a safe working environment on excavation sites.