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Hawaii (HI) C‑17 Excavating, Grading & Trenching
Practice Exam COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND
DETAILED SOLUTIONS LATEST UPDATE THIS YEAR-
JUST RELEASED
. SUMMARIZED EXAM COVERAGE
• OSHA excavation safety rules
• Soil classification (Type A, B, C)
• Trenching, sloping, and shoring systems
• Excavation equipment safety
• Utility location and protection
• Site grading and leveling methods
• Hazard identification and prevention
• Measurement and layout techniques
• Environmental compliance in Hawaii excavation work
Q1
A trench is 10 feet deep and workers are entering it; what is the minimum required safety protection?
A. No protection required
B. Sloping, shoring, or trench box system
C. Warning signs only
D. Helmets only
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Answer: B
Rationale: OSHA requires protective systems for trenches 5 feet or deeper.
Q2
A soil test shows it can be molded easily and retains shape but is not fully stable; what soil type is it
likely?
A. Type A
B. Type B
C. Type C
D. Rock
Answer: B
Rationale: Type B soil is moderately cohesive and less stable than Type A.
Q3
A construction crew is digging near a known utility line; what must be done first?
A. Start digging carefully
B. Call 811 utility locating service
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C. Increase excavation speed
D. Remove protective systems
Answer: B
Rationale: Utility locating is mandatory before excavation.
Q4
A trench wall shows cracking and soil tension near the surface; what hazard is indicated?
A. Safe soil condition
B. Potential cave-in
C. Proper compaction
D. Drainage improvement
Answer: B
Rationale: Cracks indicate unstable soil and collapse risk.
Q5
Which protective system uses pre-assembled steel structures placed in trenches?
A. Benching
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B. Trench box
C. Sloping
D. Spoil pile
Answer: B
Rationale: Trench boxes shield workers from collapse.
Q6
A grader is operating near the edge of a trench; what is the main risk?
A. Increased speed
B. Trench collapse due to surcharge load
C. Improved soil stability
D. Reduced excavation depth
Answer: B
Rationale: Heavy equipment adds load that may collapse trench walls.
Q7
Hawaii (HI) C‑17 Excavating, Grading & Trenching
Practice Exam COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND
DETAILED SOLUTIONS LATEST UPDATE THIS YEAR-
JUST RELEASED
. SUMMARIZED EXAM COVERAGE
• OSHA excavation safety rules
• Soil classification (Type A, B, C)
• Trenching, sloping, and shoring systems
• Excavation equipment safety
• Utility location and protection
• Site grading and leveling methods
• Hazard identification and prevention
• Measurement and layout techniques
• Environmental compliance in Hawaii excavation work
Q1
A trench is 10 feet deep and workers are entering it; what is the minimum required safety protection?
A. No protection required
B. Sloping, shoring, or trench box system
C. Warning signs only
D. Helmets only
, Page 2 of 103
Answer: B
Rationale: OSHA requires protective systems for trenches 5 feet or deeper.
Q2
A soil test shows it can be molded easily and retains shape but is not fully stable; what soil type is it
likely?
A. Type A
B. Type B
C. Type C
D. Rock
Answer: B
Rationale: Type B soil is moderately cohesive and less stable than Type A.
Q3
A construction crew is digging near a known utility line; what must be done first?
A. Start digging carefully
B. Call 811 utility locating service
, Page 3 of 103
C. Increase excavation speed
D. Remove protective systems
Answer: B
Rationale: Utility locating is mandatory before excavation.
Q4
A trench wall shows cracking and soil tension near the surface; what hazard is indicated?
A. Safe soil condition
B. Potential cave-in
C. Proper compaction
D. Drainage improvement
Answer: B
Rationale: Cracks indicate unstable soil and collapse risk.
Q5
Which protective system uses pre-assembled steel structures placed in trenches?
A. Benching
, Page 4 of 103
B. Trench box
C. Sloping
D. Spoil pile
Answer: B
Rationale: Trench boxes shield workers from collapse.
Q6
A grader is operating near the edge of a trench; what is the main risk?
A. Increased speed
B. Trench collapse due to surcharge load
C. Improved soil stability
D. Reduced excavation depth
Answer: B
Rationale: Heavy equipment adds load that may collapse trench walls.
Q7
