If a contractor is using a sheet piled excavation that is 30 feet deep and can produce an engineer-designed plan, will OSHA be satisfied?

The correct response indicates that if a contractor has an engineer-designed plan for a sheet piled excavation that is 30 feet deep, that would indeed satisfy OSHA’s requirements. OSHA regulations require that excavations greater than 20 feet need to be designed by a qualified person, such as a licensed engineer. Furthermore, the plan must meet specific safety standards to protect workers from cave-ins or other hazards.

Having an engineer-designed plan means that the contractor has considered the specific conditions of the excavation site, such as soil type, load-bearing capacity, and environmental factors. This is essential for ensuring safety during the excavation process. The plan also likely includes the necessary details regarding the type of support systems to be used and how they should be installed.

While the other options suggest circumstances that could involve additional considerations, the premise of having an engineer-designed plan inherently meets OSHA's requirements, so long as it is properly executed and maintained. This understanding reflects the importance of following regulatory standards to ensure worker safety in excavation operations.