Under OSHA 1926.652(a)(1)(ii), a protective system is not necessary if excavations are less than 5 feet (1.52m) in-depth, and examination of the ground by a competent person provides no indication of a potential cave-in. At one point, this can be interpreted that boxes are required in excavations 5 feet deep and above. However, it is also clear that a protective system should be utilized in all excavations, even those less than 5 feet deep if it poses indications of a potential cave-in.