The vertical height of working benches shall be kept at the maximum reach of which equipment?

• A. Shovel/Loader
• B. Bulldozer
• C. Excavator
• D. Dump Truck

Answer: (A)

The height of a working bench is set by what the loading equipment can reach. Using the maximum reach of a shovel or loader as the limit ensures the operator can safely access and load material from the bench face into haulage without stepping up on the bench or needing extra devices. This maintains a safer, more efficient workflow, since the loader is the primary tool for digging and moving material at the bench level. Other equipment like bulldozers, excavators, or dump trucks don’t define this height because their typical roles and reach don’t directly determine how high the bench can be while still allowing safe, effective loading.