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What is the minimum distance that spoil piles should be from the trench edge?

  1. One foot

  2. Two feet

  3. Three feet

  4. Four feet

The correct answer is: Two feet

The minimum distance that spoil piles should be kept from the edge of a trench is two feet. This guideline is critical for ensuring safety at the worksite, as having spoil piles too close to the trench edge can increase the risk of cave-ins and instability. When spoil piles are placed too near the trench, the added weight and pressure can undermine the trench walls, leading to potential collapses. Keeping spoil piles at least two feet away from the edge also provides workers with sufficient space to operate safely and reduces the likelihood of accidents. Proper management of spoil piles is an essential aspect of excavation safety procedures, making it crucial for hoisting license candidates to understand and apply these safety distances in their work practices.