Templates
Excavation safety plan template

Excavation safety plan template

Prepare for safe excavation projects with our detailed safety plan template. Identify hazards, implement controls, and ensure compliance. Download your free PDF from Lumiform today!

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

Prepare for safe excavation projects with our detailed safety plan template. Identify hazards, implement controls, and ensure compliance. Download your free PDF from Lumiform today!

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
or Download template as PDF

This excavation safety plan template delivers a structured approach to managing excavation hazards in compliance with OSHA requirements. Beyond basic safety measures, it includes specialized components for atmospheric testing, proper access/egress planning, and protective system documentation. When you encounter challenging excavation scenarios—like working near existing utilities or in unstable soil conditions—this template provides the specific protocols needed to assess and mitigate risks.

More than 250 people have died since 2013 when trenches they were working in caved in, making proper excavation planning essential. This template transforms complex safety requirements into practical, field-ready procedures that protect your workers and demonstrate regulatory compliance.

Related categories

Preview of the template
Page 1
Excavation Information
Project Name
Project Location
Excavation Start Date
Excavation End Date
Excavation Depth
Excavation Width
Excavation Length
Soil Conditions
Soil Type
Soil Stability
Ground Water Present
Protective Systems
Shoring System Used
Shoring System Inspected
Sloping/Benching Used
Surcharge Loads
Hazard Assessment
Underground Utilities Marked
Overhead Power Lines
Hazardous Atmospheres
Means of Access/Egress
Safety Measures
Protective Equipment Used
Trench/Excavation Inspected
Employees Trained
Emergency Rescue Plan in Place

Frequently asked questions

What should I include in the competent person section of an excavation safety plan template?

Your excavation safety plan should clearly identify the competent person by name and qualifications. Include their specific responsibilities: conducting daily inspections before shifts begin, evaluating soil conditions, selecting appropriate protective systems, and having authority to stop work if hazardous conditions emerge. Also specify how they’ll document inspections and communicate findings to the team.

How do I customize the soil classification portion of the excavation safety plan template?

Start by determining which soil types exist at your specific site through visual and manual tests. Then modify the template to include only relevant soil types (Type A, B, or C) with their specific characteristics and required protective measures. Add site-specific details like previous excavation history, water content variations, and any vibration sources that might affect soil stability.

What protective systems options should I include in my excavation safety plan?

Your plan should detail all protective systems you might use: sloping (cutting back the trench wall), shoring (support systems), shielding (trench boxes), or benching (step-cut excavation). For each system, specify when it’s appropriate based on soil type, depth, and environmental conditions. Include diagrams showing proper installation and daily inspection requirements to ensure continued effectiveness.

How do I address underground utility concerns in the excavation safety plan template?

Include a dedicated section for utility identification procedures, including contacting local utility notification services (811) at least 48-72 hours before digging. Detail the process for marking identified utilities, establishing safe digging distances, and procedures for hand-digging near marked utilities. Also specify communication protocols if unmarked utilities are discovered during excavation.

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.