What is essential for proper trench protection when the trench depth exceeds 5 feet?

When the trench depth exceeds 5 feet, it is essential to utilize both shoring and sloping to ensure proper protection. Shoring involves the use of structures such as supports or braces to prevent soil from collapsing and is particularly important in deeper trenches where the risk of cave-ins increases. Sloping, on the other hand, involves cutting the sides of the trench at an angle to allow the soil to remain stable and to reduce the likelihood of collapses.

Using a combination of both techniques offers a robust safety measure, as it allows for the support of the trench walls while also providing a natural incline that can help accommodate soil movement. This comprehensive approach is mandated by safety regulations to protect workers from potential hazards associated with trench work, particularly in deeper excavations. In contrast, relying on only one method, such as shoring alone without sloping or vice versa, may not be sufficient to ensure adequate safety when handling the complexities of deeper excavations.