Tarps are mandatory for all excavations and help prevent open holes at the end of the workday.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not Required
• D. Sometimes True

Answer: (A)

Covering excavations is essential for preventing fall hazards and keeping the work area safe when people are not actively working. Tarps are a practical, quick way to close a trench or hole at the end of the day or during breaks, creating a visible barrier that discourages anyone from stepping into the opening and reduces the chance of weather-related hazards or runoff entering the pit. When a tarp is properly secured—fully covering the opening and weighed or strapped down to stay in place—it effectively eliminates the open-hole hazard for that period and helps maintain site safety and compliance. In practice, this simple measure is favored because it’s versatile, portable, and easy to implement for various excavation shapes and sizes.