In sandy clay soil, what is the maximum height of unsupported sides or banks allowed for a person to work in a trench or pit?

In sandy clay soil, the maximum height of unsupported sides or banks allowed for a person to work in a trench or pit is determined by safety regulations that aim to prevent cave-ins or collapses while maintaining worker safety. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) stipulates that for trenches in sloped and cohesive materials like sandy clay, the maximum height is established based on stability considerations.

When dealing with sandy clay, the material tends to have better cohesion than loose soil types, meaning it can provide more support before a cave-in occurs. Therefore, the regulation allows for a maximum height of 5 feet for unsupported edges, assuming appropriate precautions are taken. This height ensures that workers can operate safely without immediate risk of the trench collapsing, provided other safety measures are in place.

Thus, the choice of 5 feet reflects the guidelines put in place to safeguard individuals working in such environments and aligns with standards set for construction and excavation safety. Understanding these regulations is critical for environmental health specialists and sanitarians, as they play a key role in workplace safety assessments.