Telecom Trenching & Utility Locate Checklist

This comprehensive telecom checklist supports compliance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.268 (Telecommunications) and OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M (Fall Protection), helping field teams manage high-risk work safely. Designed for Construction Supervisor roles in Telecom Construction to document controls, evidence, and corrective actions.

Industry: Telecom Construction
Frequency: Daily
Estimated Time: 25-40 minutes
Role: Construction Supervisor
Total Items: 42
Compliance: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.268 (Telecommunications), OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M (Fall Protection), FCC RF Exposure Guidelines (OET Bulletin 65), ANSI/TIA-222 (Antenna Supporting Structures), NFPA 70 (NEC)

Site Access & Permits

Confirm access authorization, permits, and notifications are in place.

Access authorization obtained?
Permits (hot work, confined space) issued if required?
Utility locates completed where digging occurs?
Site hazards briefed in pre-job meeting?
Notes / observations
Photo evidence

Fall Protection & Tower Safety

Verify fall protection systems, rescue readiness, and safe climbing practices.

Harness/lanyards inspected and in date?
Anchorage points verified and rated?
Rescue plan and kit onsite?
100% tie-off maintained during ascent/descent?
Notes / observations
Photo evidence

RF Exposure & Lockout

Control RF exposure and ensure lockout/tagout of transmitters when required.

RF hazard assessment completed?
Transmitters reduced/locked out per plan?
RF monitors/alarms functional?
Exclusion zones posted and respected?
Notes / observations
Photo evidence

Electrical & Power Systems

Inspect power, grounding, batteries, and generators for safe condition.

Lockout/tagout applied before work on energized parts?
Grounding/bonding intact and tested?
Battery rooms ventilated; spill controls present?
Generators fueled and maintained; exhaust safe?
Notes / observations
Photo evidence

Equipment Installation & Cabling

Verify mounting, cable management, labeling, and weatherproofing.

Equipment mounted per manufacturer torque/spec?
Cables dressed; bend radius maintained?
Connectors weatherproofed; drip loops present?
Labels match as-built documentation?
Notes / observations
Photo evidence

Housekeeping & Weather Readiness

Confirm housekeeping, tool control, and weather controls.

Tools accounted for; dropped object prevention used?
Housekeeping acceptable; trip hazards removed?
Lightning/wind thresholds monitored?
Site fencing/locks intact?
Notes / observations
Photo evidence

Corrective Actions & Stop Work

Document findings and apply stop-work for unsafe conditions.

Stop-work used for imminent danger?
Corrective actions assigned with owner and due date?
Photos captured for deficiencies?
Re-test/re-inspection scheduled?
Notes / observations
Photo evidence