At what minimum depth is shoring typically required for trenches?

Shoring is typically required for trenches that are deeper than 5 feet. This is based on safety regulations and best practices that aim to prevent cave-ins and protect workers in excavations. Trenches that reach this depth pose significant risks due to the potential for unstable soil and the weight of the surrounding material. By implementing shoring systems, which may include supports such as braces, sheets, or other structural supports, workers can create a safer environment while conducting their tasks below ground level.

Choosing a depth such as 5 feet emphasizes this threshold where the risks become considerable enough to necessitate additional safety measures. While shallower trenches may not require shoring under certain conditions, the regulation reflects a general consensus on safety in excavation practices. Trenching practices consider both the physical properties of the soil and the potential for hazards; thus the 5-foot benchmark serves as a standard in many regulatory guidelines.