Minnesota Excavation Competent
Person Exam Practice Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
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1. What is the primary hazard associated with excavation work?
A. Heat stress
B. Cave-ins
C. Electrical shock
D. Noise exposure
Answer: B
Rationale: Cave-ins are the most serious and likely hazard in
excavation work.
2. A competent person in excavation must be able to:
A. Operate heavy machinery
B. Design architectural plans
C. Identify hazards and authorize corrective actions
, D. Approve financial budgets
Answer: C
Rationale: A competent person is responsible for identifying hazards
and taking corrective action.
3. The most stable type of soil is:
A. Type C
B. Type B
C. Type A
D. Sandy soil
Answer: C
Rationale: Type A soil is the most cohesive and stable.
4. Type C soil is considered:
A. Most stable
B. Least stable
C. Medium stability
D. Rock-like
Answer: B
Rationale: Type C soil is the least stable and most dangerous.
5. The maximum depth for an unprotected trench in stable soil is
typically:
A. 10 feet
B. 5 feet
C. 20 feet
, D. No limit
Answer: B
Rationale: OSHA requires protective systems at 5 feet or deeper
unless stable conditions are proven.
6. Sloping in excavation is used to:
A. Increase speed
B. Prevent cave-ins
C. Drain water
D. Mark boundaries
Answer: B
Rationale: Sloping reduces soil pressure and prevents collapse.
7. Benching refers to:
A. Installing ladders
B. Stepping soil sides
C. Pumping water
D. Compacting soil
Answer: B
Rationale: Benching creates steps in excavation walls to improve
stability.
8. A trench box is used for:
A. Measuring depth
B. Protecting workers from cave-ins
C. Transporting soil
, D. Lighting excavation
Answer: B
Rationale: Trench boxes shield workers from collapsing soil.
9. Soil classification is based on:
A. Color only
B. Weight
C. Texture and stability
D. Temperature
Answer: C
Rationale: Soil is classified based on cohesion and stability
properties.
10. Water accumulation in a trench is:
A. Safe
B. Beneficial
C. A hazard
D. Required
Answer: C
Rationale: Water weakens soil and increases collapse risk.
11. Spoil piles should be placed at least:
A. 1 foot from edge
B. 2 feet from edge
C. 3 feet from edge
D. 5 feet from edge
Person Exam Practice Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. What is the primary hazard associated with excavation work?
A. Heat stress
B. Cave-ins
C. Electrical shock
D. Noise exposure
Answer: B
Rationale: Cave-ins are the most serious and likely hazard in
excavation work.
2. A competent person in excavation must be able to:
A. Operate heavy machinery
B. Design architectural plans
C. Identify hazards and authorize corrective actions
, D. Approve financial budgets
Answer: C
Rationale: A competent person is responsible for identifying hazards
and taking corrective action.
3. The most stable type of soil is:
A. Type C
B. Type B
C. Type A
D. Sandy soil
Answer: C
Rationale: Type A soil is the most cohesive and stable.
4. Type C soil is considered:
A. Most stable
B. Least stable
C. Medium stability
D. Rock-like
Answer: B
Rationale: Type C soil is the least stable and most dangerous.
5. The maximum depth for an unprotected trench in stable soil is
typically:
A. 10 feet
B. 5 feet
C. 20 feet
, D. No limit
Answer: B
Rationale: OSHA requires protective systems at 5 feet or deeper
unless stable conditions are proven.
6. Sloping in excavation is used to:
A. Increase speed
B. Prevent cave-ins
C. Drain water
D. Mark boundaries
Answer: B
Rationale: Sloping reduces soil pressure and prevents collapse.
7. Benching refers to:
A. Installing ladders
B. Stepping soil sides
C. Pumping water
D. Compacting soil
Answer: B
Rationale: Benching creates steps in excavation walls to improve
stability.
8. A trench box is used for:
A. Measuring depth
B. Protecting workers from cave-ins
C. Transporting soil
, D. Lighting excavation
Answer: B
Rationale: Trench boxes shield workers from collapsing soil.
9. Soil classification is based on:
A. Color only
B. Weight
C. Texture and stability
D. Temperature
Answer: C
Rationale: Soil is classified based on cohesion and stability
properties.
10. Water accumulation in a trench is:
A. Safe
B. Beneficial
C. A hazard
D. Required
Answer: C
Rationale: Water weakens soil and increases collapse risk.
11. Spoil piles should be placed at least:
A. 1 foot from edge
B. 2 feet from edge
C. 3 feet from edge
D. 5 feet from edge
