Excavation Inspection Checklist

Date*

Date

State

Project Name*

Project Number

Name*

First NameLast Name

Email*

example@example.com

Is this a hand written inspection?

Yes

Take photo of paper inspection or upload scanned copy of paper inspection.

Notice: When the excavation is in progress, and before anyone enters the excavation, the competent person must complete a daily inspection to ensure the safety of the workers entering.

Utilities

	Yes	No	N/A
Utility locates contacted at least 2 working days prior to start of digging, and appropriately marked and identified.
Underground installations have been protected, supported, or removed when the excavation is open
Surface encumbrances such as utilities, utility poles, foundations, transformer vaults or other structures are supported or removed.
Equipment operator(s) is aware of energized overhead uninsulated powerlines and required approach distances (1 O' minimum for lines

Excavation / Trench

	Yes	No	N/A
Soil classified using 1 visual and 1 manual method, or default Type C
Employees are protected from loose rock or soil.
All employees are wearing proper PPE.
Spoils, materials, and equipment are set back at least 2' from the edge of excavation.
Soil classified using 1 visual and 1 manual method, or default Type C.
The work area has been identified using barricades, fencing, or some other physical barrier.
Traffic control plan has been completed and implemented.
High visible clothing is worn by all employees exposed to vehicular traffic.
Excavations 6' or deeper with walkways or bridges are equipped with guardrails.
Employees are prohibited from working or walking under suspended loads.
Employees are prohibited from working on faces of sloped / benched excavations above other employees.
A warning system has been established and used when mobile equipment is operating near the edge of the excavation.
A means of egress (e.g. ladders, steps, ramps) has been provided so that no employee must travel further than 25'.
If ladders are used for egress, they are secured and extend at least 3' above the top of the excavation.
If wood ramps are used for egress, they are constructed of uniform material thickness and cleated together at the bottom.
All employees entering the trench have documented training on requirements for excavation / trenching and protective measures.

Wet Conditions

	Yes	No	N/A
Precautions have been taken to protect employees from hazards posed by water accumulation.
When water removal equipment is in operation, it is being monitored by the Competent Person.
Surface water is being collected or diverted.
An inspection of the excavation, adjacent areas, and protective system is performed and documented after each rainstorm.

Hazardous Atmosphere

	Yes	No	N/A
Where a hazardous atmosphere could reasonably exist, the atmosphere is being tested for low or high oxygen, hazardous vapors, and toxic gasses before employees enter the excavation.
Emergency response equipment is readily available where a hazardous atmosphere could exist (e.g. retrieval unit).