Excavation Checklist

1. What is the soil classifcation?

2. What type of protective system is being used? Choices are: Sloping, Shielding, Shoring, Benching

3. Have utility companies contacted and/or located?

4. Has the exact/suspected location of utilities marked or white lined?

5. Do you have a utility locate number?

6. What is the utility locate number?

7. Have underground installations protected, supported, or removed when excavation is open?

8. Is there lateral travel to means of egress no greater than 25 feet in excavations 4 feet in depth?

9. Do ladders used in excavations secured and extended 3 feet above the edge of excavation?

10. Are structural ramps used by employees designed by the competent person?

11. Are structural ramps used by equipment designed by registered Professional Engineer?

12. Are ramps constructed of materials of uniform thickness, cleated, with no slip surface?

13. Are Employees protected from cave ins when entering or exiting the excavation?

14. Has any water accumulated in the trench?

15. Is there any water seepage from walls or bottom?

16. Have precautions taken to protect employees from water accumulation in or near excavation?

17. Has water removal equipment beem monitored by a competent person?

18. Surface water or runoff diverted or controlled to prevent accumulation in excavation?

19. Have inspections made after each rainstorm or other hazard increasing occurrence?

20. Have atmosphere tested where there is reasonable possibility of oxygen deficiency, combustible, or other harmful containment exposing employees to a hazard?

21. Can the trench / excavation bebe classified as a "confined space"?

22. Has testing conducted often to ensure that the atmosphere remains safe?

23. Are spoil piles, equipment, & employees back at least 2 feet back from edge of excavation?

24. Are there tension cracks (fracture planes) along trench wall?

25. Are there any shrinkage cracks in trench walls?

26. Is there layered soil present?

27. Are there any trees, boulders, signs, poles, etc. in the area?

28. Are surface encumbrances supported or removed?

29. Are Employees prohibited from working on the faces of slopes, benches, or above others?

30. Are barriers & fall protection provided for all excavations, pits, shafts, etc.?

31. Are warning system utilized when mobile equipment is operating near edge of excavation?

32. Support Systems: Support systems provided to insure stability of adjacent structures, roadways, etc.?

33. Are members of support system securely fastened to prevent failure?

34. Is there any fluid leakage detected in aluminum shoring?

35. Are employees and ladder inside the trench box / shield?

36. Does shielding extends min. 18" above bottom cut of slope?