Excavation permit — pre-work checklist
Checks to complete on each excavation permit before digging: underground services located and exposed by hand, protection against collapse, edges, access, water, atmosphere testing, daily inspection by a competent person and plant movements.
14 itemsWorkplace safetyVersion 2Updated
This template covers a high-hazard activity. Adapt it to your site’s written procedures, your equipment and local regulations, and have it approved by a competent person before use. When imported, it lands for review: a checklist as a draft, a procedure as inactive.
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Category: Permit — pre-work checklist
- Permit type: Excavation
- Filled in on each permit concerned, before the work starts.
Imported as a draft: it is not used until you review it and click Activate on the HSE template. Once activated, it is used on every new permit of this type and replaces the checklist in use.
Checklist items
Underground services located and marked on the ground
From the latest drawings and with a cable and pipe locator over the whole area; the marks are kept visible during the work.
Pass / FailCritical: a failure blocks the permitServices close to the dig are exposed by hand or by vacuum excavation
No mechanical digging within the safety distance set by the site procedure or the network operator. Answer « Pass » if there are none.
Pass / FailCritical: a failure blocks the permitServices that cannot be avoided are isolated, or protected and supported
Answer « Pass » if there are none.
Pass / FailCritical: a failure blocks the permitPlanned depth (m)
NumberRequiredProtection against collapse
ChoiceRequired- Sides battered or stepped
- Trench box or shoring
- Not required by the site procedure for this depth and soil
- Other
Spoil, materials and plant are kept back from the edge
Pass / FailCritical: a failure blocks the permitThe excavation is fenced, signed and lit
Barriers that stop people and vehicles falling in, and lighting when the excavation stays open at night.
Pass / FailCritical: a failure blocks the permitA safe way in and out is provided, such as a secured ladder
Answer « Pass » if no one enters the excavation.
Pass / FailCritical: a failure blocks the permitWater ingress is controlled and nearby structures are not undermined
Pumping in place where needed; foundations, walls and poles next to the excavation are checked and supported.
Pass / FailCritical: a failure blocks the permitThe atmosphere is tested where gases can accumulate
Deep or narrow excavations, near sewers, fuel tanks or contaminated ground. Answer « Pass » if there is no such risk.
Pass / FailCritical: a failure blocks the permitA competent person inspects the excavation before each shift and after any event that may affect its stability
Pass / FailCritical: a failure blocks the permitPlant movements are controlled
Trained operators, a signaller for reversing and lifting, and stop blocks where vehicles tip near the edge. Answer « Pass » if no plant is used.
Pass / FailCritical: a failure blocks the permitPhoto of the marked services and the prepared area
PhotooptionalAdditional precautions or remarks
Free textoptional
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Licence
Official FreeMaint template, free to use and adapt inside your FreeMaint workspace. An adaptation may be shared in the library under CC BY 4.0; its page then credits this template.
Templates are general guidance. They do not replace the manufacturer’s instructions, your site procedures or applicable regulations.
Equipment: Workplace safety
Industries: Construction, Energy and utilities, Facilities, Manufacturing
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