Excavation & Trenching Safety Checklist

FREE excavation and trenching safety checklist with OSHA 1926 Subpart P compliance. Covers soil classification, protective systems, atmospheric testing, and cave-in prevention. Multi-market standards for US OSHA, UK CDM, India IS 3764, Brazil NR-18, Mexico NOM-031-STPS, and Colombia regulations. Download FREE PDF with 50+ inspection points.

  • Industry: Construction
  • Frequency: Daily Before Entry
  • Estimated Time: 25-35 minutes
  • Role: Operations Manager
  • Total Items: 33
  • Compliance: OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P (Excavations), OSHA 1926.651 (General Requirements), OSHA 1926.652 (Protective Systems), UK CDM Regulations 2015, UK BS 6031 (Earthworks)

Pre-Excavation Requirements

OSHA 1926.651(b) utility location and surface hazards.

  • Underground utilities located and marked (811 call)?
  • Minimum 18-inch hand dig zone around utilities?
  • Adjacent structures assessed for stability?
  • Traffic control in place for nearby vehicles?
  • Surface water diverted away from excavation?

Protective Systems

OSHA 1926.652 cave-in protection requirements for excavations ≥5 feet.

  • Cave-in protection in place for depths ≥5 feet?
  • Type of protective system used?
  • Sloping at correct angle for soil type?
  • Shoring system meets tabulated data or engineered design?
  • Trench shield rated for soil type and depth?
  • Shield extends above bottom of excavation?
  • Spoil pile minimum 2 feet from edge?

Access & Egress

OSHA 1926.651(c)(2) safe access requirements.

  • Ladder, ramp, or stairway within 25 feet of workers?
  • Ladder extends 3 feet above landing?
  • Ladder secured to prevent displacement?
  • Ramps designed for intended loads (if used)?
  • Access points clear of obstructions?

Atmospheric Hazards

OSHA 1926.651(g) testing for hazardous atmospheres.

  • Atmosphere tested before entry (if >4 feet)?
  • Oxygen level between 19.5% and 23.5%?
  • Combustible gas below 10% LEL?
  • Hydrogen sulfide below 10 ppm?
  • Ventilation provided if atmospheric hazards present?
  • Emergency rescue equipment available?

Daily Inspection Points

Competent person daily inspection requirements.

  • Soil conditions unchanged since last inspection?
  • Excavation walls stable (no sloughing, bulging)?
  • No water accumulation in excavation?
  • Protective systems intact and functioning?
  • Heavy equipment operating safely near edge?
  • Barricades and warning signs in place?

PPE Compliance Verification

Personal protective equipment inspection

  • Hard hats worn in required areas?
  • Safety glasses/goggles worn as required?
  • High-visibility vests worn?
  • Steel-toe boots worn by all workers?

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