Daily Excavation Checklist

Employers must ensure that a competent person inspects all excavations, adjacent areas, and protective systems daily for possible cave-ins, indications of failures in protective systems and equipment, hazardous atmospheres, and other hazardous conditions. Inspections must be done prior to the start of work and as needed throughout the shift. Inspections are also required after natural events, such as rainstorms, or other hazard-increasing occurrences, such as blasting work. If an inspector finds any unsafe conditions during an inspection, the employer must clear workers from the hazardous area until the necessary safety precautions have been taken. (Source: When must employers conduct excavation site inspections?)

Below is an example daily excavation checklist and the items generally inspected, including utilities, conditions, atmospheres, and entry/exit.

Project Information

• Client/Project Name
• Date
• Time
• Project Location
• Job Number
• Approx. Wind Direction
• Excavation Depth/Width
• Soil Classification
• Protective system used
• Activities in excavation
• Competent person

General

General	Yes	No	N/A
Employees protected from cave-ins & loose rock/soil that could roll into the excavation
Spoils, materials & equipment set back at least 2 feet from the edge of the excavation
Engineering designs for sheeting &/or manufacturer’s data on trench box capabilities on site
Adequate signs posted and barricades provided
Training (toolbox meeting) conducted w/ employees prior to entering excavation

Utilities

Utilities	Yes	No	N/A
Utility company contacted & given 24 hours’ notice &/or utilities already located & marked
Overhead lines located, noted and reviewed with the operator – Utility locations reviewed with the operator, & precautions taken to ensure contact does not occur
Utilities crossing the excavation supported, and protected from falling materials
Underground installations protected, supported or removed when excavation is open

Wet Conditions

Wet Conditions	Yes	No	N/A
Precautions taken to protect employees from water accumulation (continuous dewatering)
Surface water or runoff diverted /controlled to prevent accumulation in the excavation
Inspection made after every rainstorm or other hazard increasing occurrence

Hazardous Atmospheres

Hazardous Atmospheres	Yes	No	N/A
Air in the excavation tested for oxygen deficiency, combustibles, other contaminants
Ventilation used in atmospheres that are oxygen rich/deficient &/or contains hazardous substances
Ventilation provided to keep LEL below 10%
Emergency equipment available where hazardous atmospheres could or do exist
Safety harness and lifeline used
Supplied air necessary (if yes, contact safety department)

Entry & Exit

Entry & Exit	Yes	No	N/A
Exit (i.e. ladder, sloped wall) no further than 25 feet from ANY employee
Ladders secured and extend 3 feet above the edge of the trench
Wood ramps constructed of uniform material thickness, cleated together at the bottom
Employees protected from cave-ins when entering or exiting the excavation

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At Ron Meyer & Associate Excavating, Inc, we’ve been providing underground and commercial construction to private and commercial businesses for 39 years. As the general contractor or subcontractor, our experienced foremen, equipment operators, pipe layers, truck drivers and well-maintained equipment fleet make us an undeniable choice for your excavating services. Let’s talk about your project!