Contributed September 28, 2001 by Wayne Pardy DAILY EXCAVATION CHECK-LIST GENERAL Are employees protected from cave-ins, loose rock/soil, that could roll in to the excavation? Are materials and equipment set back at least 2 feet from the edge of the excavation? Are engineering designs for sheeting and/or manufacturers data on trench box capabilities, on site? Are adequate signs posted and barricades provided? Has training (toolbox meeting) been conducted with employees prior to entering the excavation? UTILITIES Was the utility company contacted given 24hrs notice and/or utilities (UG cables) already located and marked? Have all over headlines been located noted and reviewed with the operator? Are lines/cables crossing the excavation supported and protected from falling materials? Are underground installations protected, supported, or removed when excavation is open? WET CONDITIONS Have precautions been taken to protect employees from water accumulation or flooding? Has surface water or runoff been diverted/controlled to prevent accumulation in the excavation? Has an inspection been made after every rainstorm or other hazard-increasing occurrences? HAZARDOUS ATMOSPHERES Has the air in the excavation been tested for oxygen deficiency, combustibles or other contaminants? Is ventilation used in oxygen rich/deficient atmospheres or atmospheres that contain hazardous substances? Is ventilation provided to keep LEL below10%? Is emergency equipment available where hazardous atmospheres could or do exist? Are safety harnesses or lifelines used? Is supplied air necessary (if yes contact the safety dept)? ENTRY/EXIT Is an exit available (i.e.ladder, sloped wall) nofurtherthan25feetfromany employee? Are ladders secured and do they extend 3 feet above the edge of the trench? Are wood ramps constructed of uniform material thickness, cleated together at the bottom? Are employees protected from cave-ins when entering or exiting the excavation? OVERALL COMMENTS How safety prepared is the excavation site?