In trench excavations at least 4' deep, what is the maximum lateral travel to access egress?

In trench excavations that are at least 4 feet deep, safety regulations dictate that workers must have a means of egress (an exit or escape route) that allows them to reach safe ground quickly in case of an emergency or collapse. The maximum lateral travel distance established for accessing this egress is 25 feet.

This requirement is based on safety standards to ensure that workers can escape quickly if necessary. The specification of 25 feet considers the need to minimize the distance workers must travel while still being practical in terms of how trenches are utilized. The intent is to prevent excessive delays in accessing safety, which could significantly increase risks in case of sudden emergencies such as trench collapses or accidents.

Additional options presented, while not meeting the specified maximum distance, could lead to increased risks by requiring workers to traverse longer distances, which could complicate an emergency escape scenario. Keeping the lateral travel to a maximum of 25 feet enhances safety protocols in trenching operations.