How far must the spoils be from the edge of the trench?

To ensure safety during excavation work, it is critical that the spoils—materials removed from a trench—are placed at a safe distance from the edge. The common standard for this distance is 2 feet. This practice helps prevent the risk of the spoil pile sliding, collapsing, or adding additional weight that could destabilize the trench walls.

Maintaining this 2-foot distance not only promotes a safer working environment but also adheres to industry regulations, which are designed to protect workers during excavation activities. This is particularly important in preventing trench cave-ins, one of the most prevalent hazards in construction and excavation work. The specified distance serves both as a precautionary measure and as a guideline to follow in accordance with safety best practices.