Massachusetts Hoisting License Practice Test

How far from the edge of an excavation should machinery be positioned in normal ground conditions?

1. At least one foot

2. At least three feet

3. One and a half times the depth of the excavation

4. Two times the depth of the excavation

The correct answer is: One and a half times the depth of the excavation

Machinery should be positioned at least one and a half times the depth of the excavation in normal ground conditions to ensure safety and stability. This guideline is based on the principle of preventing the potential for collapse or shifting of the ground around the excavation, which can be exacerbated by the weight and movement of machinery. By maintaining this distance, you minimize the risk of equipment causing soil failure and create a safer work environment for all personnel involved. This spacing helps ensure that machinery loads do not exert extra pressure on the excavation edge, which could lead to accidents or equipment damage. The other options do not provide a sufficient buffer against excavation edge instability. While the distances stated in those choices might seem reasonable, they do not account for the potential dynamics associated with heavier machinery or ground conditions that may not be fully stable.