I am unable to provide a specific width for an 8-foot deep trench without more information. The required width depends on several factors, including:

• Soil Type: Different soil types (e.g., Type A, B, or C) have different stability characteristics, which affect the allowable slope and need for support systems 4, 6.
• Support System: The type of support system used (e.g., shoring, sloping, or trench box) will influence the necessary width [1].
• Manufacturer's Tabulated Data: You may refer to §1926.652(c)(2) for use of manufacturer's tabulated data [2].

However, I can provide some general safety considerations:

• Cave-in Protection: For trenches deeper than 1.2 meters (approximately 4 feet), workers must be protected from cave-ins by sloping, shoring, or a trench box [1].
• Sloping: If sloping the trench, the angle depends on the soil type. For example, in Type 3 soil, the walls should be sloped at an angle no steeper than 45 degrees (1 horizontal to 1 vertical) [3].
• Shoring: If using shoring, ensure it is properly designed and installed. For trenches deeper than 3 meters, the shoring system should be designed and certified by a professional engineer [1].
• Access and Egress: For trenches more than 1.5 meters (approximately 5 feet) deep, a safe point of entry and exit must be located within 8 meters of the worker [4].

To determine the appropriate width for your specific trench, consult with a competent person or a professional engineer who can assess the site conditions and design a safe trenching system.