Is a trench defined as an excavation that exceeds 15 feet of base width?

A trench is specifically defined as a narrow excavation that is deeper than it is wide, with a maximum width of 15 feet at the surface. Therefore, the assertion that a trench is defined as an excavation that exceeds 15 feet in base width is incorrect. Since a trench cannot exceed this width, the statement is false. The correct understanding is that any excavation wider than 15 feet would not meet the criteria for being classified as a trench, reinforcing the importance of this definition in excavation safety practices.