Daily Excavation and Trench Inspection Checklist for the Competent Person

OSHA 1926.651(k) requires the competent person to inspect excavations, adjacent areas and protective systems before the start of work, as needed during the shift, and after every rainstorm or other hazard-increasing occurrence. This checklist follows those requirements. Nothing you check here is saved.

Soil classification

• Soil classified (stable rock, Type A, B or C) using at least one visual and one manual test
• Classification still valid: no new fissures, seepage, layers or vibration sources
• Previously disturbed soil and backfill treated as Type B or C
• Reclassified after rain, freeze-thaw, drying or other change

Protective system

• Protective system in place for every excavation 5 feet or deeper (unless stable rock)
• System matches the soil type and depth (Appendix B slopes, Appendix C/D tables, tabulated data or PE design)
• Tabulated data or engineer's design on site for shoring and shields
• Slopes no steeper than allowed; flattened for surcharge or signs of distress
• Shores installed at the required spacing, tight, no leaks or damaged parts
• Trench box rated for the full depth; within 2 feet of the bottom only if rated for full depth with no soil loss
• Shield extends at least 18 inches above the vertical side where sloped above
• Gap between shield and walls minimized; ends of box protected (sloped or plated)
• No damaged components in use

Walls, edges and surroundings

• No tension cracks, bulging, sloughing, spalling or undercutting
• Spoil, materials and equipment at least 2 feet from the edge (or retained)
• Surcharge loads (trucks, stockpiles, equipment) evaluated
• Adjacent structures, sidewalks and surface encumbrances supported or removed
• Underground utilities marked, exposed lines supported and protected
• Warning system in place where operators can't see the edge
• Traffic control set up and high-visibility garments worn near traffic

Water

• No accumulated or accumulating water, or precautions in place
• Pumps and dewatering equipment running and monitored by the competent person
• Surface water diverted away from the excavation
• No boiling, seepage carrying fines, or bottom heave

Atmosphere

• Hazardous atmosphere potential evaluated (landfill, sewer, fuel, contaminated soil, exhaust)
• Air tested before entry into excavations deeper than 4 feet where required: oxygen at least 19.5%, flammable gas below 20% LFL
• Gas-powered equipment located so exhaust doesn't enter the excavation
• Rescue equipment available and attended where hazardous atmospheres may develop

Access and fall protection

• Ladder, stair or ramp within 25 feet of lateral travel in trenches 4 feet or deeper
• Ladders inside the protected area, secured, extending 3 feet above the top
• Walkways with guardrails where crossings are 6 feet or more above lower levels
• Barricades or covers where excavations 6 feet or deeper aren't readily visible

Stop-work decision

• No signs of possible cave-in, protective system failure or hazardous atmosphere
• If any were found: workers removed until corrected, and corrective action recorded below

Notes and corrective actions

Not sure about an item? Each section links to a free lesson: soil classification, sloping, shoring, trench boxes, atmospheres and water and inspections.

Last reviewed: October 25, 2026 · Free general education based on OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P. It does not replace the site-specific training and competent person your employer must provide, and it does not issue a certificate. Nothing you enter on this page is saved or sent.