When working in a 5-ft deep trench with 6 people, how many ladders are required?

In any excavation or trenching operation, safety regulations are paramount, especially regarding the use of ladders for safe access and egress. For a trench that is 5 feet deep, it is generally required to ensure that there are enough ladders for the number of workers present.

Each worker should have a means of access to quickly exit the trench in case of an emergency. The standard best practice advises that at least one ladder should be provided for every 25 feet of trench or for every worker present when it's not feasible to have other means of access.

Since there are 6 workers present in a 5-foot deep trench, the requirement would lean towards having a ladder available for each person, ensuring that if an emergency arises, everyone can exit the trench safely and swiftly. This guidance upholds the principle of safety first, especially in confined or potentially hazardous workspaces.

Thus, requiring 6 ladders aligns with these safety practices, ensuring that all workers have immediate access to a means of escape.