For an excavation that is 4 feet deep or more, how far apart must egress points be spaced for employees?

For an excavation that is 4 feet deep or more, egress points must be spaced no more than 25 feet apart for employees. This requirement is in place to ensure that workers have a safe and quick means of escape in case of an emergency, such as a collapse or other hazardous situation. The 25-foot distance is determined to provide adequate access to egress points while minimizing risks associated with falling or being trapped in the excavation. The spacing ensures that no employee is ever too far from a safe exit, which is critical for maintaining safety on the job site, particularly in deeper excavations where the risks can increase significantly.

Having egress points at this specified distance allows for a quicker response in emergencies, thereby enhancing overall safety protocols in excavation operations. The focus on maintaining such distances comes from regulations designed to protect workers in potentially dangerous environments.