Trench Log and Excavation Inspection Template - FREE PDF

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Trench log and excavation inspection template

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Use this template with Lumiform

Customize this template or build your own
Fill out templates via mobile app
Get reports and analyse your data

Prices start from ░░░ per month

Book a demo

Learn more

The trench log and excavation inspection template provides a structured framework for documenting daily site conditions and safety measures during excavation projects. You’ll find specific fields for recording soil type, excavation dimensions, protective systems used, and atmospheric testing results—all essential elements required by OSHA standards.

We created this template to address the challenge of consistent documentation across multiple job sites and inspectors. When a construction safety manager needs to demonstrate compliance during an inspection or investigation, having properly completed daily logs readily available can make the difference between passing an audit and facing costly citations.

Related categories

Created by

Inioluwa Ademuwagun

Preview of the template

Audit

Excavation Information

Describe the excavation project:

Select the purpose of trenching

Depth of the excavation

Width of the excavation

Attach photos of the excavation area:

What excavation tools and machines are being used?

Was all heavy equipment examined for their safety?

Estimated temperature:

Weather:

Select soil type:

Select protective system:

Jobsite Inspection

Excavations, nearby areas, and shielding systems are inspected by a qualified person daily before the beginning of work.

A competent person has the ability to remove workers from the excavation directly.

Surface difficulties are removed.

Reference: There are no encumbrances like utilities, foundations, streams, water tables, transformer vaults, walkways, bridges, roads, and geologic irregularities [This is an example of how you can work with Lumiform to include best practice reference pictures in your templates to help with inspections]

Walkways and bridges over excavations four feet or more in-depth are provided with approved guardrails and toeboards.

Barriers implemented at all remotely located excavations, wells, holes, shafts, etc.

Employees prevented from working under suspended loads.

Spoils, supplies, and equipment set back at least two feet of the edge of the excavation.

Employees are shielded from unattached rock or soil that could be a hazard by falling or rolling into the excavation.

Warning vests or other visible clothing are given and worn by all workers exposed to vehicular traffic.

Employees expected to stand away from vehicles that are being loaded or unloaded.

Warning system founded and used when mobile equipment is working near the edge of the excavation.

Workers prohibited from operating on the faces of sloped or benched excavations over other employees.

Hard hats are worn by all workers.

Utilities

Underground installations are guarded, supported or removed when excavation is open.

The precise location of utilities marked.

Utility organisations contacted and/or utilities located.

Entry and Exit

Structural ramps applied for equipment designed by a certified professional engineer (RPE)

Workers are protected from cave-ins when accessing or exiting the excavation.

Structural ramps used by workers created by a qualified person.

Ladders used in excavations guarded and increased three feet beyond the edge of the trench.

Ramps composed of materials of uniform thickness, cleated together on the bottom, provided with the no-slip surface.

Lateral moving to means of egress no bigger than 25 feet in excavations four feet or more in-depth.

Wet Conditions

Inspections made after every rainstorm or other hazard increasing incident.

Water removal equipment controlled by a qualified person.

Surface water or runoff redirected or checked to inhibit accumulation in the excavation.

Precautions are taken to shield employees from the accumulation of water.

Hazardous Atmosphere

Ventilation implemented to prevent employee exposure to an atmosphere including flammable gas in excess of 10% of the lower dangerous limit of the gas.

Adequate precautions are taken to protect workers from exposure to an atmosphere including less than 19.5% oxygen and/or to other dangerous atmospheres.

Safety gear and lifeline used and personally attended when entering bell bottom or other deep defined excavations

Employees ordered to use personal protective and other safety equipment.

Emergency equipment, like breathing apparatus, safety harness and lifeline, and/or basket stretcher promptly available where dangerous atmospheres could or do exist.

The atmosphere within the excavation examined where there is a moderate possibility of an oxygen lack, combustible or other dangerous contaminant exposing employees to danger.

Testing administered often to assure that the atmosphere stays safe.

Support Systems

Materials and equipment that are not in good condition have been separated from service.

Damaged supplies and equipment used for protective systems examined by a certified professional engineer (RPE) after repairs and before being used again.

Protective systems installed without exposing employees to the dangers of cave-ins collapses, or risk of being struck by supplies or equipment.

Parts of the support system securely fastened to stop failure.

Materials and equipment used for protective systems examined and in great condition.

Backfilling signs of progress with the removal of the support system.

Support systems provided to assure the stability of nearby structures, buildings, roadways, sidewalks, walls, etc.

Supplies and/or equipment for support systems chosen based on soil examination, trench depth, and expected pressures.

Replacement of support systems progresses from the ground and members are released lowly as to record any indication of potential failure.

Employees are prevented from remaining in the shield system throughout vertical movement.

Excavations underneath the level of the base or footing maintained, authorised by an RPE.

Excavation of supply to a level not higher than two feet under the bottom of the support system and only if the system is meant to support the loads measured for the full depth.

Shield system installed to prevent the lateral movement.

Recommendations

Do you have any recommendations?

Completion

Name and signature of a qualified person:

Name and signature of inspector:

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Frequently asked questions

What information should I include in a daily trench inspection log?

A thorough trench inspection log should document soil type and classification, excavation dimensions, protective systems used, access/egress methods, atmospheric testing results, water conditions, and nearby hazards. The competent person’s signature and date are crucial for verifying that proper inspection occurred before worker entry.

When should I document hazardous atmospheres in a trench inspection log?

Always test and document atmospheric conditions when working in trenches deeper than 4 feet or when there’s potential for oxygen deficiency, flammable gases, or toxic contaminants. Record oxygen levels, combustible gas readings, and toxic substance measurements directly on the inspection log before allowing worker entry.

What should I do if conditions change after completing the initial trench log?

Complete a new inspection log whenever conditions change—after rainstorms, nearby vibrations, surcharge load changes, or when new sections are excavated. Document the specific changes observed, reassess all safety parameters, and implement any additional protective measures required before allowing workers to re-enter.

Inioluwa Ademuwagun

Inioluwa is a freelance content writer with a passion for words and everything marketing. She has worked closely with B2B SaaS and e-commerce brands creating product-led content. She loves to read fiction and would describe herself as an introverted nerd who desires to travel around the world. She currently doing that with her words till she can with her eyes

This template, developed by Lumiform employees, serves as a starting point for businesses using the Lumiform platform and is intended as a hypothetical example only. It does not replace professional advice. Companies should consult qualified professionals to assess the suitability and legality of using this template in their specific workplace or jurisdiction. Lumiform is not liable for any errors or omissions in this template or for any actions taken based on its content.