What is the maximum slope of a footing trench before stepping is required?

What is the maximum slope of a footing trench before stepping is required?

• A. 5%
• B. 10%
• C. 15%
• D. 25%

Answer: (B)

In trench safety, the wall angle of the trench affects stability and safe exit. A simple rule-of-thumb is that if the trench wall is steeper than ten percent, stepping or providing a safe means of egress (like steps or a ladder) is required. Ten percent means a vertical drop of 1 unit for every 10 units of horizontal distance, which gives a conservative limit where you need additional protection to prevent slips or falls and to ensure a safe way out. A slope of five percent is still quite gentle and would not typically trigger stepping, while steeper options would demand stepping sooner rather than later, making ten percent the threshold referenced.

In trench safety, the wall angle of the trench affects stability and safe exit. A simple rule-of-thumb is that if the trench wall is steeper than ten percent, stepping or providing a safe means of egress (like steps or a ladder) is required. Ten percent means a vertical drop of 1 unit for every 10 units of horizontal distance, which gives a conservative limit where you need additional protection to prevent slips or falls and to ensure a safe way out. A slope of five percent is still quite gentle and would not typically trigger stepping, while steeper options would demand stepping sooner rather than later, making ten percent the threshold referenced.