Title Page

  • Job Name

  • Job Number

  • Job Location
  • Trench Location/Stationing (i.e. 0+00 - 0+50)

  • Date

  • Prepared by

Daily Inspection Checklist for Trenching/Excavation Sites

Existing Utilities

  • Have underground utilities been contacted at least 2 working days prior to start of digging, and appropriately marked and identified?

  • What is the utility locate number?

  • Is the excavation close to existing utilities, buildings, footings, pilings, or sources of vibrations?

  • Have underground installations been protected, supported, or removed when the excavation is open?

  • Have all surface encumbrances such as utilities, utility poles, foundations, transformer vaults or other structures been supported or removed?

Trench / Excavation

  • Has the site been checked for previously disturbed ground?

  • Excavation length (feet)

  • Excavation width (feet)

  • Excavation depth (feet)

  • Has a means of egress (e.g. ladders, steps, ramps) been provided so that no employee has to travel further than 25'?

  • If ladders are used for egress, are they secured and extended at least 3' above the top of the excavation?

  • Has the soil been classified using one (1) visual and one (1) manual method, or defaulted to classifying as Type C?

  • Are excavations with walkway or bridges equipped with guardrails (required at 6ft or deeper)?

  • Has an engineer designed the excavation or is there engineered tabulated data on site for the protective system (required if deeper than 20ft)?

  • What is the soil type as determined by the competent person?

  • Example Slopes for Type "A" Soils

  • Type A Soil_Page_1.jpg
  • Type A Soil_Page_2.jpg
  • Type A Soil_Page_3.jpg
  • If competent person determines the soils to be Type "A", pictures of soils and manual test results are required (i.e. penetrometer, ribbon tests, etc.)

  • Example Slopes for Type "B" Soils

  • Type B Soil_Page_1.jpg
  • Type B Soil_Page_2.jpg
  • Type B Soil_Page_3.jpg
  • Type B Soil_Page_4.jpg
  • Type A Soil Vertical Bottom_Page_5.jpg
  • If competent person determines the soils to be Type "B", pictures of soils and manual test results are required (i.e. penetrometer, ribbon tests, etc.)

  • Example Slopes for Type "C" Soils

  • Type C Soil_Page_1.jpg
  • Type C Soil_Page_2.jpg
  • Have changes in vehicular and machinery operation patterns been communicated?

  • Explain

  • Is water removal equipment (i.e. pumps) being utilized?

  • Are physical barricades around excavation planned, available, properly set up and/or in good condition?

  • Are there any overhead hazards (i.e. power lines, trees, etc.)?

  • Are all excavated materials set back at least 2 feet from the edge?

  • Is the excavation safe for employees to enter?

  • Is the excavation a confined space?

Atmospheric Testing Required

  • O2(%)

  • LEL(%)

  • Toxic(CO, H2S)

  • Other(PID)

  • Is the excavation deeper than 20 feet?

  • Is the engineered tabulated data onsite for the protective systems being used?

  • What protective system(s) have been selected for today's excavation?qdq

  • Is the shield at least 18" above the slope?

  • Is it laterally stable?

  • Plans and all instructions must be onsite

  • No benching allowed in Type C soils

  • Soil Type Table B-1.JPG
  • Describe

  • Adequacy and availability of all equipment, including personal protective equipment, shoring systems, signs, barricades, and machinery

  • Are trench shoring and/or shields in good shape as work progresses?

  • Are slopes and/or benches still in good shape as work progresses?

Approver

  • Competent Person OSHA 29 CFR Subpart P 1926.650(b)

  • Supervisor

  • Equipment Operator

  • Engineer

  • Other Approval

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