Excavation Near Underground Natural Gas Pipelines Safety Checklist

Date: 2025-10-10

Inspector: [INSPECTOR NAME]

Location/Area: [LOCATION/AREA]

Department: [DEPARTMENT]

Purpose

To ensure safe work practices and regulatory compliance during excavation activities near underground natural gas pipelines, preventing incidents and ensuring worker safety.

Instructions for Use

1. Complete this checklist before the start of each shift and during the shift as conditions change. Ensure all items meet the specified verification criteria. If any item fails, follow the failed item procedures.

Frequency

This checklist should be completed: Daily, before each shift

Safety Checklist

Pre-Excavation Planning and Preparation

Item	Pass	Fail	Comments
Contact utility companies and/or utilize a 'One Call' system to locate underground utilities before excavation. Check: Documentation of contact with utility companies or 'One Call' system is available. If failed: Contact relevant utility companies or the 'One Call' system immediately and await utility location markings before proceeding.			_________________
Ensure accurate location of all underground pipelines, cables, and conduits in the work area. [9] Check: Underground utilities are located and marked conspicuously with appropriate color codes (e.g., yellow for natural gas). If failed: Stop work and verify the location of all underground utilities before proceeding.			_________________
Meet with owners/operators of high-priority subsurface installations (e.g., high-pressure pipelines, natural gas/petroleum pipelines) located within 10 feet of the proposed excavation. Check: Record of meeting with utility owners/operators is available. If failed: Schedule and conduct a meeting with the relevant utility representatives before commencing excavation.			_________________
Review any 'as-built' record drawings to identify potential buried or concrete-embedded facilities. [8] Check: As-built drawings are reviewed and available on site. If failed: Obtain and review as-built drawings before excavation begins.			_________________
Identify the soil type(s) related to the excavation or trench. [6] Check: Soil type is identified and documented based on visual and manual soil tests. If failed: Conduct soil testing to determine soil type and implement appropriate protective systems.			_________________
Assess the stability of nearby structures that may be affected by the excavation. [1] Check: A professional engineer has designed a temporary protective structure if the stability of a structure may be affected. If failed: Consult with a professional engineer to design and install a temporary protective structure.			_________________
Ensure all workers have received training in excavator notification/excavation activities. [3] Check: Training records are available for all exposed employees. If failed: Provide training to all workers involved in excavation activities.			_________________
Develop an emergency plan and rescue procedures. [7] Check: A written emergency plan is available and communicated to all workers. If failed: Develop and communicate an emergency plan to all workers.			_________________

During Excavation

Item	Pass	Fail	Comments
Excavate carefully by hand or with approved methods when within 600mm of a known underground pipeline, cable, or conduit. [1] Check: Evidence of hand digging or approved methods being used within the specified zone. If failed: Stop mechanical excavation and proceed with hand digging or other approved methods.			_________________
Support exposed pipelines, cables, or conduits to prevent damage during backfilling and subsequent settlement. [1] Check: Pipelines, cables, and conduits are adequately supported. If failed: Provide adequate support to prevent damage to exposed utilities.			_________________
Monitor the atmosphere for hazardous gases, vapors, or oxygen deficiency, especially in trenches deeper than 4 feet. [5] Check: Atmospheric testing equipment is available and used regularly; records of testing are maintained. If failed: Implement atmospheric monitoring and ventilation procedures.			_________________
Ensure a competent person inspects the excavation, adjacent areas, and protective systems daily before the start of work and as needed throughout the shift. [3] Check: Inspection logs are maintained and available on site. If failed: Conduct and document daily inspections by a competent person.			_________________
Keep equipment, spoil piles, rocks, and construction materials at least 1 meter (3 feet) from the edge of the excavation. [1] Check: Spoil piles and materials are set back at least 1 meter from the excavation edge. If failed: Relocate spoil piles and materials to maintain a safe distance from the excavation edge.			_________________
Protect employees from cave-ins by using an appropriate protective system (e.g., shoring, sloping, trench box) for excavations 5 feet or deeper. [3] Check: Protective system is in place and properly installed for excavations 5 feet or deeper. If failed: Install an appropriate protective system before allowing workers to enter the excavation.			_________________
Provide a safe means of access and egress, such as a ladder or ramp, within 25 feet of any worker in the excavation. [4] Check: A ladder or ramp is present and properly positioned within the specified distance. If failed: Install a ladder or ramp to ensure safe access and egress.			_________________
Ensure warning vests or other high-visibility clothing are worn by all employees exposed to public vehicular traffic. [4] Check: All employees wear high-visibility clothing when exposed to vehicular traffic. If failed: Ensure all employees wear appropriate high-visibility clothing.			_________________

Post-Excavation

Item	Pass	Fail	Comments
Notify the owner of the pipeline, cable, or conduit immediately if there is any contact with or damage to an underground utility. [1] Check: Documentation of notification to the utility owner is available. If failed: Immediately notify the utility owner and follow their instructions.			_________________
Take steps to protect the health and safety of any worker who may be at risk until any unsafe condition resulting from contact or damage is repaired or corrected. [1] Check: Measures are in place to protect worker safety following damage to a utility. If failed: Implement safety measures to protect workers until the unsafe condition is resolved.			_________________
Before backfilling, ensure the pipeline exposure has been inspected and approved by the pipeline owner/operator. Check: Documentation of inspection and approval from the pipeline owner/operator. If failed: Obtain written approval from the pipeline owner/operator before backfilling.			_________________

General Requirements

Item	Pass	Fail	Comments
Ensure a competent person is identified and responsible for excavation safety. [3] Check: Competent person is identified and has the authority to take corrective actions. If failed: Assign a competent person and ensure they are adequately trained.			_________________
Provide hard hats for all employees within the excavation zone. [4] Check: All employees in the excavation zone are wearing hard hats. If failed: Ensure all employees wear hard hats.			_________________

Failed Item Procedures

1. If any checklist item fails, stop work immediately and take corrective action. Retrain personnel as needed. Document the failure and corrective action taken.

Documentation Requirements

Maintain records of utility notifications, site inspections, soil testing, and training.

Checklist Completion

Overall Status: ☐ Pass     ☐ Fail     ☐ Corrective Actions Required

Inspector Signature: Date:

Supervisor Review: Date:

Corrective Actions Completed By: Date:

References and Standards

• Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (Saskatchewan, Nunavut, Alberta, Nova Scotia)
• Cal/OSHA regulations for Excavations [2]

This checklist must be retained for [RETENTION PERIOD].

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