OSHA Excavation Checklist

Use this OSHA Excavation Checklist to verify excavation utilities, wet conditions, and more, ensuring compliance with OSHA regulations to prevent hazards.

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OSHA
OSHA Excavation Checklist

Utilities

Excavation / Trench

Wet Conditions

Hazardous Atmosphere

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Checklist by GoAudits.com – Please note that this checklist is intended as an example. We do not guarantee compliance with the laws applicable to your territory or industry. You should seek professional advice to determine how this checklist should be adapted to your workplace or jurisdiction.

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OSHA Excavation Checklist

Use this OSHA Excavation Checklist to verify excavation utilities, wet conditions, and more, ensuring compliance with OSHA regulations to prevent hazards.

1. Have utility locates been contacted at least 2 working days prior to the start of digging, and have they been appropriately marked and identified?

2. Have underground installations been protected, supported, or removed when the excavation is open?

3. Have surface encumbrances such as utilities, utility poles, foundations, transformer vaults, or other structures been supported or removed?

4. Is the equipment operator aware of energized overhead uninsulated powerlines and the required approach distances (10' minimum for lines <50kV; 20' minimum for unknown voltage; with a dedicated spotter)?

1. Has the soil been classified using 1 visual and 1 manual method, or default Type C?

2. Are employees protected from loose rocks or soil?

3. Are all employees wearing proper PPE?

4. Have spoils, materials, and equipment been set back at least 2' from the edge of the excavation?

5. Has the work area been identified using barricades, fencing, or some other physical barrier?

6. Has a traffic control plan been completed and implemented?

7. Is high-visibility clothing being worn by all employees exposed to vehicular traffic?

8. Are excavations 6' or deeper with walkways or bridges equipped with guardrails?

9. Are employees prohibited from working or walking under suspended loads?

10. Are employees prohibited from working on faces of sloped/benched excavations above other employees?

11. Has a warning system been established and used when mobile equipment is operating near the edge of the excavation?

12. Has a means of egress (e.g., ladders, steps, ramps) been provided so that no employee must travel further than 25'?

13. If ladders are used for egress, are they secured and extending at least 3' above the top of the excavation?

14. If wood ramps are used for egress, are they constructed of uniform material thickness and cleated together at the bottom?

15. Have all employees entering the trench received documented training on requirements for excavation/trenching and protective measures?

1. Have precautions been taken to protect employees from hazards posed by water accumulation?

2. When water removal equipment is in operation, is it being monitored by a competent person?

3. Is surface water being collected or diverted?

4. Is an inspection of the excavation, adjacent areas, and protective system performed and documented after each rainstorm?

1. Where a hazardous atmosphere could reasonably exist, is the atmosphere being tested for low or high oxygen, hazardous vapors, and toxic gases before employees enter the excavation?

2. Is emergency response equipment readily available where a hazardous atmosphere could exist (e.g., retrieval unit)?