True or False: The outer sides of the trench should be left unclean to maintain structural integrity.

Leaving the outer sides of a trench unclean can actually pose risks to the structural integrity of the trench. Proper trench safety and construction guidelines dictate that the sides should be properly supported and maintained to prevent collapses. If the outer sides are not cleaned or adequately managed, loose soil and debris can compromise the stability of the trench walls, leading to potential cave-ins, which are a significant safety hazard. Ensuring that the trench walls are stable and clean helps in maintaining structural integrity and provides a safer working environment for operators and other personnel in the vicinity.