Pre-Excavation Planning Checklist: Before the First Bucket

Use this checklist during job planning and again the day before excavation starts. It pairs with the excavation safety plan outline. Nothing you check is saved.

Utilities and site

• Excavation area white-lined where required
• 811 locate request submitted within the state's required notice period
• All utility owners have responded (positive response checked)
• Ticket expiration date noted; plan to refresh marks if work runs long
• Private lines identified (laterals, irrigation, lighting, private gas/water) and a private locate arranged
• Tolerance zone method planned: hand dig or vacuum excavation, pothole locations
• Overhead power lines identified and clearances planned for equipment
• Surface encumbrances (poles, walls, trees, signs) to be removed or supported
• Adjacent structures and foundations evaluated; underpinning or PE review if digging below footings

Soil and water

• Geotechnical information reviewed, if available
• Expected soil classification and testing method identified
• Groundwater depth and dewatering plan, with competent person monitoring
• Surface water diversion planned
• Hazardous atmosphere potential evaluated (landfill, sewer, fuel, contaminated soil)

Protective systems

• Protective system selected for each segment (sloping, benching, shoring, shield or engineered)
• Tabulated data or PE design obtained and on site; PE design for anything over 20 feet
• Trench box or shoring rated for full depth and soil type; correct sizes and spreaders ordered
• Trench ends, tie-ins and manholes protection planned
• Room for sloping, spoil and equipment confirmed

Access, equipment and traffic

• Ladder count and locations planned (within 25 feet of lateral travel, inside protection)
• Spoil location planned at least 2 feet back, with surcharge considered
• Equipment swing radius and warning systems or signal persons planned
• Traffic control plan approved; high-visibility garments available
• Walkways, guardrails, barricades and end-of-day covers or fencing planned

Permits, rescue and training

• Required permits obtained (for example, state excavation permits, road opening, right-of-way)
• 911 address and site access posted; nearest trench rescue resource identified
• Atmospheric meter calibrated and bump tested, if needed
• Emergency rescue equipment available where hazardous atmospheres could develop
• First aid supplies and trained personnel available
• Competent person designated for each shift
• Crew trained on excavation hazards; toolbox talk scheduled

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.