What is the maximum slope of a footing trench before stepping is required?

• A. 5%
• B. 10%
• C. 15%
• D. 25%

Answer: (B)

In trench safety, the wall angle of the trench affects stability and safe exit. A simple rule-of-thumb is that if the trench wall is steeper than ten percent, stepping or providing a safe means of egress (like steps or a ladder) is required. Ten percent means a vertical drop of 1 unit for every 10 units of horizontal distance, which gives a conservative limit where you need additional protection to prevent slips or falls and to ensure a safe way out. A slope of five percent is still quite gentle and would not typically trigger stepping, while steeper options would demand stepping sooner rather than later, making ten percent the threshold referenced.