For proper excavation safety, how far must excavated materials be stored from the edge of the trench?

For proper excavation safety, excavated materials should be stored at least 2 feet away from the edge of the trench. This distance is critical to prevent any accidental destabilization of the trench walls and to reduce the risk of materials rolling or sliding into the trench, which could pose a hazard to workers below.

Maintaining this minimum distance ensures that the weight of the material does not exert additional pressure on the trench edges, which can lead to collapse. Furthermore, keeping materials safely stored away also allows for unobstructed access for machinery and personnel working around the excavation site. Adhering to this guideline is fundamental for promoting safety in excavation practices.