Excavation Inspection Checklist | Excavation Permit Sample

Excavation Inspection Checklist

1. Has a current excavation permit been issued (re-issued)?
2. If the excavation is more than 1.22 m (4 ft) in depth, has atmospheric monitoring been carried out?
3. Equipment operating in or around the excavation does not present a hazard to the atmosphere within the excavation or could cause a collapse within the excavation?
4. Workers are protected from cave-ins by sloping, benching, shoring or shielding?
5. Members of support systems are securely connected together and are not subjected to loads beyond their capacity.
6. Workers are not climbing on shoring or bracing.
7. There is no accumulated water in trenches or excavations, unless special precautions are taken.
8. There are no tension cracks, sloughing (small cave-ins), or bulging in trench walls or in the ground near trenches or excavation.
9. There is no bending or buckling of shoring in the excavation.
10. There has been no change in weather affecting soil moisture since the last inspection.
11. Underground utility installations in the area (such as electrical, phone, gas, sewage, water) have been identified.
12. While an excavation is open, underground utility lines are protected, supported, or removed, as necessary.
13. Workers are not permitted underneath a load handled by lifting or digging equipment.
14. No workers are permitted above others on sloped/benched faces, unless those below are protected from falling material.
15. There is adequate protection from loose rock on the face of a trench or excavation.
16. Hazards from vehicle or equipment vibration have been inspected and corrected. Vehicles must be kept 3 m (10 ft.) away from excavations except where special provisions have been made.
17. Support systems have been installed wherever the stability of adjoining buildings, walls, or other structures is endangered by excavation operations.
18. No excavation is done below the level of the base or footing of any foundation or retaining wall, unless the structure is supported. Sidewalks and roads are supported, if undermined.
19. Spoil, tools, material, and equipment are kept at least 1.22m (4 ft.) feet from the edge. If not, they are kept in place by retaining devices.
20. Ladders, stairs, ramps, or other means of access are no more than 7.6 m (25 ft.) from any employee in a trench 1.22 m (4 ft) or more deep.
21. Walkways or bridges with standard guardrails are provided where employees or equipment cross over excavations, which are deeper than 2 m (6 ft) and wider than 1 m (30 inches).
22. There are adequate barriers (warning signs, lights, barricades, covers) to prevent unauthorized entry into a trench or excavation.
23. Hard hats, protective boots or shoes, goggles, protective clothing, and protective gloves are available and used as required by people entering, excavations. Protective equipment is appropriate for the work being performed and provides adequate protection.
24. Adequate lighting exists when workers are working at night.
25. All work areas are free of tripping hazards.
26. Means of access and egress are kept clear at all times.
27. Hydro Excavation: At least two qualified persons are performing the operation.
28. Hydro Excavation: The equipment has fail safe systems in place at the point of the excavation.
29. Hydro Excavation: Procedures are in place and being followed for addressing blockage in the vacuum tube.