Trenching & Excavation Daily — Deep

OSHA 1926.652 expanded daily inspection for trenches and excavations 5+ ft deep. Covers protective system, atmosphere, soil classification, ingress / egress, and adjacent loads.

Inspection Scope & Competent Person

• Excavation depth is 5 ft or greater
  Record the maximum measured depth of the trench or excavation.
• Inspection performed by a competent person
  Verify the inspector is a competent person with authority to identify hazards and take corrective action.
• Inspection completed before shift and after any condition change
  Confirm the trench was inspected before work began and after rain, vibration, cave-in signs, or other changes in conditions.
• Inspection date and time
  Record when the inspection was completed.
• Inspector name and signature
  Inspector attestation for the daily excavation inspection.

Protective System

• Protective system is in place for the excavation
  Verify a protective system is being used where required (sloping, benching, shoring, or shielding).
• Protective system matches soil and depth conditions
  Confirm the selected protective system is suitable for the soil classification, depth, and site conditions.
• Shoring, shielding, or trench box is properly installed and undamaged
  Check for deformation, missing components, gaps, or signs of movement in the protective system.
• Spoil pile and materials are kept away from the edge
  Verify excavated material, tools, and equipment are stored at a safe distance from the excavation edge to reduce surcharge loading.
• Adjacent structures, equipment, or traffic do not impose hazardous loads
  Check for vehicles, cranes, stockpiles, or structures near the excavation that could create a collapse hazard.
• Signs of cracking, sloughing, bulging, or tension fissures
  Inspect trench walls and edges for visible instability or cave-in indicators.

Soil Classification & Atmosphere

• Soil classification documented
  Record the soil type used for the excavation protective system decision.
• Soil classification supports current protective system
  Verify the soil classification is consistent with the installed protective system and observed conditions.
• Atmospheric testing completed where required
  Confirm atmospheric testing was performed in excavations where oxygen deficiency, hazardous gases, or other atmospheric hazards may exist.
• Atmospheric test results recorded
  Record gas readings, oxygen level, and any other relevant atmospheric measurements.

Access, Egress & Work Area

• Safe means of egress available within required travel distance
  Confirm ladders, ramps, or other access/egress are provided and positioned so workers can exit safely.
• Access/egress is unobstructed and in good condition
  Check that ladders, ramps, steps, or walkways are secure, clear, and free of damage or slipping hazards.
• Excavation edges are protected from falls or inadvertent entry
  Verify barricades, signage, or other controls are in place where needed around the excavation perimeter.
• Water accumulation or seepage present
  Record whether water is entering or pooling in the excavation and whether controls are in place.

Documentation & Corrective Actions

• Deficiencies documented
  List any hazards, non-conformances, or critical items requiring correction.
• Corrective actions assigned and tracked
  Document the corrective action, responsible person, and target completion time.
• Work stopped for any critical deficiency
  Confirm excavation work was halted when a critical hazard or unstable condition was identified.