Trenching & Excavation Safety Inspection Checklist

Is a 'Competent Person' (as defined by OSHA 1926.650(b)) identified and present on site?

Have all underground utilities (gas, electric, water, sewer) been located and marked prior to excavation (811 One-Call system)?

Has a 'Competent Person' classified the soil type (Type A, B, or C) according to OSHA 1926 Appendix A?

Is the protective system (sloping, shoring, trench box) designed by a registered professional engineer if deeper than 20 feet, or if conditions warrant?

Are safe means of egress (ladder, ramp, stairs) provided every 25 feet of lateral travel in the trench?

Is there a system in place to control water accumulation in the trench (e.g., pumps, drainage)?

Is atmospheric testing conducted before entry if a hazardous atmosphere (e.g., low oxygen, toxic gases) could reasonably be expected?

Is a daily inspection of the excavation, protective systems, and adjacent areas conducted by the 'Competent Person'?

Are emergency rescue procedures and equipment (e.g., confined space rescue) readily available?

Is there a site-specific excavation safety plan readily available and understood by all workers?

Is the trench shield (trench box) properly certified for the depth and soil conditions?

Is the trench shield free from damage (e.g., cracks, bends, corrosion) that could compromise its structural integrity?

Is the trench shield installed according to the manufacturer's specifications and OSHA requirements?

Is the trench shield placed so that the bottom edge extends at least 18 inches below the top of the excavation?

Are voids between the trench shield and the excavation wall properly backfilled to prevent soil movement?

Is safe access and egress provided to and from the trench shield?

Are lifting lugs on the trench shield in good condition and properly rated for the weight of the box?

Are manufacturer's specifications for the trench box readily available on site?

Are trench box panels securely pinned or connected per manufacturer's instructions?

Is there visual proof (photos/video) that the trench box is installed correctly before crews enter?

Is the spoil pile located at least 2 feet (0.6 meters) from the edge of the excavation?

Is the spoil pile stable and prevented from sliding or rolling back into the excavation?

Are surface encumbrances (e.g., rocks, trees, debris) that could create a hazard removed or supported?

Is equipment or machinery prevented from operating near the edge of the excavation unless precautions are taken to prevent cave-ins?

Are warning systems (e.g., barricades, signs) in place to alert workers and the public to the excavation hazard?

Are adjacent structures (buildings, roadways) protected from the effects of the excavation?

Are weather conditions (rain, freezing temperatures) monitored for their potential impact on soil stability?

Is water being effectively removed from the excavation to prevent soil saturation and instability?

Is adequate traffic control in place to protect workers from vehicular traffic?

Is ground vibration from nearby equipment or traffic monitored to prevent soil destabilization?

Are all workers wearing properly fitted hard hats (ANSI Z89.1)?

Are all workers wearing appropriate eye protection (ANSI Z87.1) for the hazards present (e.g., flying debris, chemical splash)?

Are all workers wearing high-visibility clothing (ANSI 107) if exposed to vehicular traffic?

Are all workers wearing appropriate foot protection (ANSI Z41) for the hazards present (e.g., puncture hazards, falling objects)?

Is respiratory protection (NIOSH approved) required and used if a hazardous atmosphere is present?

Are workers wearing appropriate gloves for the tasks being performed (e.g., cut-resistant, chemical-resistant)?

Is hearing protection available and used if noise levels exceed permissible exposure limits (PEL)?

Are fall protection harnesses inspected before each use for damage or defects?

Is all PPE maintained in good condition and replaced when damaged or worn?

Have all workers been trained on the proper use, care, and limitations of their PPE?