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TRENCHING & EXCAVATION ONSITE INSPECTION CHECKLIST
Excavations and Protective Systems inspected by Competent Person daily, before start of work.
Competent Person has authority to remove workers from excavation immediately.
Surface encumbrances supported or removed.
Employees protected from loose rock or soil.
Hard hats worn by all employees.
Spoils, materials, and equipment set back a minimum of 2' from edge of excavation.
Barriers provided at all remote excavations, wells, pits, shafts, etc.
Walkways and bridges over excavations 6' or more in depth equipped with guardrails.
Warning vests, or other highly visible PPE provided and worn by all employees exposed to vehicular traffic.
Employees prohibited from working or walking under suspended loads.
Employees prohibited from working on faces of sloped or benched excavations above other employees.
Warning system established and used when mobile equipment is operating near edge of excavation.
Utility companies contacted and/or utilities located.
Exact location of utilities marked when near excavation.
Underground installations protected, supported, or removed when excavation is open.
Precautions taken to protect employees from accumulation of water.
Water removal equipment monitored by Competent Person.
Surface water controlled or diverted.
Inspection made after each rainstorm.
Atmosphere tested when there is a possibility of oxygen deficiency or build-up of hazardous gases.
Oxygen content is between 19.5% and 21%.
Ventilation provided to prevent flammable gas build-up to 20% of lower explosive limit of the gas.
Testing conducted to ensure that atmosphere remains safe.
Emergency Response Equipment readily available where a hazardous atmosphere could or does exist.
Employees trained in the use of Personal Protective and Emergency Response Equipment.
Safety harness and life line individually attended when employees enter deep confined excavation.
In all trenches 5 feet or deeper each employee shall be protected from cave-ins using one or more of the following systems:
Trenches 4 feet or deeper have means of access/egress? (Ladders must be located within 25 feet of all workers.)
Ladders extend 36" above top of protective system or top of the trench?
Shoring equipment been inspected for damage?
The excavation extends below the bottom of the support system no more than 2 feet?
Where there is exposure on the open end of the support system, protective steel end plates are used to prevent cave-ins?
A traffic control plan has been implemented?
Will overnight protection be required?

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