Massachusetts Unrestricted Construction Supervisor License Practice Test

When working in a trench, how far away must a ladder be to ensure safe exit?

1. 10 feet

2. 15 feet

3. 25 feet

4. 30 feet

The correct answer is: 25 feet

When working in a trench, the requirement is that a ladder must be located within a certain distance to ensure safe exit for workers. The correct distance is 25 feet. This regulation is in place to ensure that, in the event of an emergency or loss of footing, workers have immediate access to a means of exit. The reasoning behind this specific distance is rooted in safety standards that aim to minimize the risk of injury. Ensuring a ladder is positioned no more than 25 feet away from any worker in a trench allows for a quick escape, which is crucial in hazardous work environments. In contrast, shorter distances such as 10 feet, 15 feet, or 30 feet do not meet the regulatory requirements for trench safety, making them inappropriate answers in this context. A distance of 10 feet could be considered too close under certain conditions, while 30 feet exceeds the safe limit for emergency exits, potentially escalating risk during critical situations.