OSHA requires a ladder or means of egress for trenches at depth of 4 feet; what is the maximum horizontal distance to travel to reach the ladder?

OSHA requires a ladder or means of egress for trenches at depth of 4 feet; what is the maximum horizontal distance to travel to reach the ladder?

• A. 50 feet
• B. 25 feet
• C. 100 feet
• D. 75 feet

Answer: (B)

OSHA requires a ladder or other means of egress to be located so that workers in a trench four feet or deeper can reach it within 25 feet of horizontal travel. This keeps escape routes close enough for quick exit in an emergency and reduces exposure to hazards if the trench shifts or air conditions change. The distance is measured along the trench bottom to the ladder, not vertically up from the worker. So, for a trench at four feet deep, the maximum horizontal distance to reach the ladder is 25 feet. Distances like 50, 75, or 100 feet would exceed the allowed travel and require additional access points to stay compliant.

OSHA requires a ladder or other means of egress to be located so that workers in a trench four feet or deeper can reach it within 25 feet of horizontal travel. This keeps escape routes close enough for quick exit in an emergency and reduces exposure to hazards if the trench shifts or air conditions change. The distance is measured along the trench bottom to the ladder, not vertically up from the worker. So, for a trench at four feet deep, the maximum horizontal distance to reach the ladder is 25 feet. Distances like 50, 75, or 100 feet would exceed the allowed travel and require additional access points to stay compliant.