Underground Utility Locate & Excavation Checklist

Has 811/Call Before You Dig been notified at least 2-3 business days prior to excavation? (Confirm notification number).

Is the utility locate request valid and within the required timeframe (typically 30 days)?

Are site drawings and utility maps readily available and reviewed with the excavation crew?

Are emergency contact information (utility companies, emergency services) readily available on site?

Has a competent person been identified and assigned to oversee excavation safety? (Document name and qualifications).

Is a soil classification report available, and has the soil type been properly identified by the competent person?

If required by company policy or local regulations, is a valid excavation permit obtained and posted?

Has a daily safety briefing been conducted, covering potential hazards and safe work practices?

Has coordination with utility companies been established, especially for high-risk utilities (e.g., high-pressure gas lines)?

If excavation impacts traffic, is a traffic control plan in place and implemented effectively? (MUTCD compliance)

Are all utilities within the excavation area clearly marked with paint, flags, or stakes, according to APWA color codes?

Visually verify the accuracy of utility markings against site drawings and utility maps.

Is the tolerance zone (typically 18-24 inches on either side of the marked utility) clearly identified?

Is hand-digging or vacuum excavation being used within the tolerance zone to expose utilities?

Has potholing (hydro-excavation or hand digging) been performed to visually confirm the location and depth of all utilities within the excavation area?

Are procedures in place for reporting damaged or unclear utility markings to the appropriate utility company?

Is the depth of the utility verified during potholing to ensure it matches the utility locate information?

Are utility markings clearly visible and maintained throughout the excavation process? (Re-marking as needed)

Do the utility markings adhere to the APWA color code standards (e.g., red for electric, yellow for gas)?

If sloping or benching is used, are the angles and dimensions in compliance with OSHA requirements based on soil type?

If shoring is used, has it been inspected by a competent person before each shift and after any changes in conditions?

Is the shoring system installed according to the manufacturer's specifications and a registered professional engineer's design (if required)?

Is safe access and egress provided to and from the excavation (e.g., ladder, ramp, stairs) every 25 feet?

Is the spoils pile located at least 2 feet away from the edge of the excavation?

Are measures in place to prevent water accumulation in the excavation (e.g., dewatering, diversion ditches)?

If there is a potential for hazardous atmospheres, is atmospheric testing conducted before entry and periodically during excavation?

Is the stability of adjacent structures and utilities assessed and protected during excavation?

Are warning systems in place for mobile equipment operating near the excavation edge (e.g., barricades, spotters)?

Are underground installations protected, supported, or removed as necessary to ensure employee safety?

Are all personnel within the excavation area wearing hard hats that meet ANSI Z89.1 standards?

Are all personnel wearing appropriate eye protection (safety glasses, goggles) that meet ANSI Z87.1 standards?

Are all personnel wearing high-visibility clothing (vests, shirts) that meet ANSI/ISEA 107 standards?

Are all personnel wearing appropriate foot protection (safety shoes or boots) that meet ASTM F2413 standards?

Are appropriate gloves being worn based on the task being performed (e.g., digging, handling materials)?

If respiratory hazards are present, is a respiratory protection program in place and followed (including fit testing)?

Is hearing protection available and used when noise levels exceed 85 dBA?

Is all PPE in good condition and properly maintained?

Are daily inspection records available for all mobile equipment (excavators, backhoes, trucks)?

Are backup alarms functioning properly on all mobile equipment?

Are seatbelts being used by all equipment operators?

Are all equipment operators properly trained and certified to operate the equipment?

Is a spotter used when equipment is operating in close proximity to utilities or personnel?

Is there sufficient clearance between equipment and overhead power lines (minimum 10 feet)?

Are vehicles parked safely, with parking brakes engaged, on level surfaces?

Is equipment properly maintained and free from defects?

Are safe trench crossing procedures in place for equipment and vehicles (e.g., trench plates)?