If an excavation is over how many feet deep, shoring may be needed?

Shoring is necessary when an excavation reaches depths that can lead to soil collapse and pose risks to workers. Specifically, OSHA regulations dictate that for excavations greater than 5 feet deep in certain soil types, appropriate shoring or other forms of protective systems must be utilized. This requirement ensures the safety of personnel working near the excavation site, as deeper excavations can significantly increase the likelihood of cave-ins.

At depths equal to or exceeding 5 feet, the potential for unstable soil conditions becomes a serious concern, necessitating the use of shoring to support the walls of the excavation and provide a safeguarding structure. Therefore, this threshold establishes a critical safety benchmark in excavation practices.