create a safety audit for a site that is tunnels and shafts

Generated on: September 4, 2025

Tunnel and Shaft Construction Site Safety Audit

Date: 2025-09-04

Inspector: [INSPECTOR NAME]

Location/Area: [LOCATION/AREA]

Department: [DEPARTMENT]

Purpose

To ensure compliance with safety regulations, identify hazards, and verify the implementation of control measures on tunnel and shaft construction sites. This checklist is to be used by qualified safety personnel before the start of work, periodically during operations, and after completion of specific tasks or phases.

Instructions for Use

1. Review all sections of the checklist to understand the requirements. 2. Physically inspect the tunnel and shaft construction site, focusing on the items listed in each section. 3. Verify compliance by observing conditions, interviewing workers, and reviewing documentation. 4. Mark each item as 'Pass' or 'Fail' based on the verification criteria. 5. For each 'Fail' item, document the corrective action required and the responsible party. 6. Ensure all findings and corrective actions are documented in the audit report.

Frequency

This checklist should be completed: Weekly

Safety Checklist

General Site Conditions

Inspection of overall site conditions to ensure a safe working environment.

Item	Pass	Fail	Comments
Site access and egress Check: Clear and unobstructed access and egress points are maintained. If failed: Remove obstructions and ensure clear pathways.			_________________
Housekeeping Check: The site is free from excessive debris, waste materials, and slip/trip hazards. If failed: Implement a regular cleaning schedule and waste disposal system.			_________________
Signage and barricades Check: Appropriate safety signs, warning signs, and barricades are in place and well-maintained. If failed: Replace or repair damaged signs and barricades. Install additional signage as needed.			_________________
Ground Stability Check: The surrounding land space is sufficient to permit compliance with safety requirements. If failed: Ensure sufficient land space is available or modify the project plan.			_________________

Emergency Preparedness

Verification of emergency plans, equipment, and trained personnel.

Item	Pass	Fail	Comments
Emergency procedures [9] Check: Written emergency procedures are established, posted, and communicated to all workers. If failed: Develop or update emergency procedures and ensure proper training.			_________________
Rescue team [9] Check: A trained rescue team is available and equipped to perform rescues of underground workers. If failed: Provide rescue training and ensure availability of suitable rescue equipment.			_________________
First aid [9] [9] [9] Check: First aid kits are readily available at the entrance to the shaft and underground, and a competent worker is available to administer first aid. If failed: Ensure first aid kits are stocked and accessible, and designate trained first aid personnel.			_________________
Emergency lighting [3] [3] Check: An emergency lighting system is installed and functional in the tunnel and shaft. If failed: Install or repair the emergency lighting system and test regularly.			_________________
Escape-only respirator [10] Check: Escape-only respirators are immediately available for each employee at work stations in underground areas where employees might be trapped by smoke or gas. If failed: Provide and maintain escape-only respirators and ensure employees are trained in their use.			_________________

Ground Support and Excavation

Inspection of ground support systems, excavation practices, and related safety measures.

Item	Pass	Fail	Comments
Ground support system [2] [2] Check: The tunnel and shaft are supported by steel casing, concrete pipe, timber, or other material of required strength. If failed: Install or repair ground support systems as needed.			_________________
Bracing [2] Check: Shafts more than 5 feet in depth are braced to support the surrounding earth. If failed: Install bracing to the full depth of the shaft.			_________________
Ground inspections [2] Check: A qualified employee inspects the roof, face, and walls of portals, work areas, and haulage ways at the start of each shift and frequently thereafter. If failed: Conduct regular inspections and scale or support loose material.			_________________
Scaling bar condition [2] Check: Scaling bars are in good condition (not blunted or severely worn). If failed: Replace worn or damaged scaling bars.			_________________
Design Drawings [5] Check: Design drawings for the primary supports are available for inspection at the project. If failed: Ensure design drawings are available.			_________________

Air Quality and Ventilation

Assessment of air quality, ventilation systems, and monitoring practices.

Item	Pass	Fail	Comments
Ventilation system [8] Check: A suitable ventilation system is provided to maintain safe air quality. If failed: Install or repair the ventilation system to ensure adequate air flow.			_________________
Air quality monitoring [6] Check: Regular air quality tests are conducted and recorded to determine the concentration of hazardous gases. If failed: Implement or improve air monitoring procedures and maintain records.			_________________
Flammable gas control [2] Check: Steps are taken to increase ventilation air volume or otherwise control gas concentration when 5% or more of the lower explosive limit for methane or other flammable gases is detected. If failed: Increase ventilation and implement gas control measures.			_________________
Air compressor inlet [5] Check: The air inlet to an air compressor is located in a position that fumes or noxious contaminants are not drawn in with the air to be compressed. If failed: Relocate the air inlet to a clean air source.			_________________

Fire Prevention and Protection

Verification of fire prevention measures, firefighting equipment, and emergency procedures.

Item	Pass	Fail	Comments
Fire extinguishers [1] Check: Approved fire extinguishers are provided at designated locations (e.g., drive pulley of underground conveyor, tunneling machine). If failed: Provide and maintain fire extinguishers in accessible locations.			_________________
Smoking and open flames [1] Check: Smoking and open flames are prohibited in the tunnel and shaft. If failed: Enforce the no-smoking and no-open-flames policy.			_________________
Flammable materials storage [2] Check: Flammable materials are stored at a safe distance from tunnel or shaft openings or protected by a fire-resistant barrier. If failed: Relocate flammable materials or install a fire-resistant barrier.			_________________
Fire alarm notices [4] Check: Notices describing how to sound a fire alarm are posted in conspicuous places. If failed: Post fire alarm notices in visible locations.			_________________
Means of extinguishing fire [4] Check: A means of extinguishing fire is provided at the top and bottom of every shaft. If failed: Provide and maintain fire extinguishing equipment at the top and bottom of every shaft.			_________________

Electrical Safety

Inspection of electrical systems, grounding, and related safety measures.

Item	Pass	Fail	Comments
Ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) [13] Check: All electrical power circuits that supply portable or hand-held tools, lights, or equipment are protected by approved ground-fault interrupters. If failed: Install GFCIs on all applicable circuits.			_________________
Electrical equipment and wiring [13] Check: Electrical equipment and wiring are installed and maintained according to regulations. If failed: Repair or replace faulty electrical equipment and wiring.			_________________
Lighting circuits [13] Check: Lighting circuits are located so that the movement of personnel or equipment will not damage the circuits or disrupt service. If failed: Relocate or protect lighting circuits.			_________________
Supplemental lighting [1] Check: The regular system of illumination is supplemented by lighting that can be activated upon the failure of the regular system. If failed: Provide supplemental lighting such as flashlights or lanterns.			_________________
Electrical pumps and tools [3] Check: All electrical pumps and electrical tools are either adequately grounded or double-insulated. If failed: Ensure proper grounding or double-insulation of electrical equipment.			_________________

Haulage and Equipment

Inspection of haulage equipment, locomotives, and related safety measures.

Item	Pass	Fail	Comments
Haulage locomotive brakes [5] Check: Haulage locomotives have suitable brakes. If failed: Repair or replace locomotive brakes.			_________________
Audible bell on locomotive [5] Check: Haulage locomotives have an audible bell. If failed: Install or repair the audible bell.			_________________
Locomotive controls [5] Check: Haulage locomotives have controls that can be operated only by a worker at the driver's station. If failed: Repair or modify locomotive controls.			_________________
Track condition [5] Check: Track for haulage equipment is securely fastened to the ties. If failed: Securely fasten track to ties.			_________________
Clearance for vehicles and workers [11] Check: The tunnel has enough clear space for the passage of vehicles and the movement of workers. If failed: Clear obstructions to provide adequate space.			_________________
Unattended equipment [5] Check: When a haulage locomotive, trackless haulage equipment or a hoist in a shaft or tunnel is left unattended, its controls are left in the neutral position and its brakes are set. If failed: Set brakes and leave controls in neutral when equipment is unattended.			_________________

Communication Systems

Verification of communication systems in the tunnel and shaft.

Item	Pass	Fail	Comments
Communication system in tunnel [13] Check: In a tunnel that is more than 225 feet long, a communication system is provided at the working face, top of the shaft, bottom of the shaft, hoisting station (if provided), each 1,000 feet of tunnel, and the office (if provided). If failed: Install or repair the communication system.			_________________
Hoist operator communication [13] Check: Hoist operators are provided with a closed-circuit voice communication system to each landing station. If failed: Install or repair the communication system.			_________________
Emergency signal [3] Check: A notice is posted by each telephone indicating how to call every other telephone in the system, describing the emergency signal to be used, and stating that a worker who hears the emergency signal shall answer the telephone. If failed: Post the required notice by each telephone.			_________________
Shaft communication [3] Check: During the construction of a shaft, an effective means of communicating between the lowest point of the shaft and the surface is provided. If failed: Provide an effective means of communication.			_________________

Explosives Safety

Inspection of blasting operations, storage, transport, and handling of explosives.

Item	Pass	Fail	Comments
Vehicle for transporting explosives [5] Check: A vehicle or conveyance being used to transport explosives or blasting agents does not carry any other cargo or any person other than the vehicle operator. If failed: Ensure explosives are transported separately.			_________________
Transport of detonators [5] Check: No detonator is transported in a vehicle or conveyance while it is carrying explosives or blasting agents. If failed: Transport detonators separately from explosives.			_________________
Notification of hoist operator [12] Check: If explosives or blasting agents are to be transported in a shaft, the worker in charge of blasting operations notifies the hoist operator and shaft attendants before the explosives or blasting agents are put in the conveyance. If failed: Notify the hoist operator and shaft attendants.			_________________
Flashlight for blasting operations [12] Check: A flashlight is provided to every worker who is engaged in blasting operations in a tunnel or is in an area from which the means of egress passes a place where blasting is to be done. If failed: Provide flashlights to workers involved in blasting.			_________________

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Verification of required PPE usage and condition.

Item	Pass	Fail	Comments
Safety toe rubber boots [13] Check: Employees working in a wet shaft, tunnel, or caisson wear safety toe rubber boots with flat gripper-type soles. If failed: Provide and enforce the use of safety toe rubber boots.			_________________

Other Requirements

General requirements that apply across all areas of the project.

Item	Pass	Fail	Comments
Advance notice of tunnel excavation [7] Check: Before the start of a pressurized tunnel being constructed, modified, or repaired, that is 24 inches or more in diameter, height, or width, and that will be occupied by an employee, a report is sent to the relevant authorities. If failed: Submit the required report to the relevant authorities.			_________________
Check-in and check-out system [7] Check: Each operation has a check-in and check-out system that will provide positive identification of an employee by number or name and will identify the location of each employee who is underground. If failed: Implement a check-in and check-out system.			_________________
Emergency Provisions [7] Check: The employer informs oncoming shifts of any hazardous occurrences or conditions that have affected or might affect employee safety, including liberation of gas, equipment failures, earth or rock slides, cave-ins, floodings, fires, or explosions. If failed: Ensure proper communication between shifts.			_________________
Competent worker for first aid [9] Check: The supervisor in charge of a project appoints at least one competent worker to be available to give first aid at a shaft or tunnel. If failed: Appoint a competent worker for first aid.			_________________
Sufficient Land Space [4] Check: A tunnel or shaft is commenced or started only where sufficient land space is available to permit compliance with safety requirements. If failed: Ensure sufficient land space is available or modify the project plan.			_________________

General Requirements

Item	Pass	Fail	Comments
Safe access and egress [7] Check: A safe means of egress and access to all work areas is provided and maintained free of hazards. If failed: Clear obstructions and ensure safe access.			_________________
Underground opening security [7] Check: When work is not being performed, access to an underground opening is covered, bulkheaded, fenced off, or restricted by gates or doors and appropriately posted. If failed: Secure the underground opening.			_________________
Instructions in hazard avoidance [10] Check: All employees are instructed in the recognition and avoidance of hazards that are associated with underground construction activities. If failed: Provide training on hazard recognition and avoidance.			_________________
Project safety rules [10] Check: The employer issues each employee a copy of the project's general safety rules before the employee commences work at the project. If failed: Issue safety rules to all employees.			_________________
Designated qualified person [10] Check: Each employer designates a qualified person who is responsible for administering the safety program. If failed: Designate a qualified person.			_________________
Competent worker for rescue [9] Check: Before a project begins, an employer shall establish in writing emergency procedures for the rescue of underground workers. If failed: Establish emergency procedures for rescue.			_________________

Failed Item Procedures

1. Immediately notify the supervisor of any failed items. 2. Implement corrective actions as soon as possible. 3. Document the failed item, corrective action, and date of completion in the audit report. 4. Retrain employees on the relevant safety procedures, if necessary. 5. If the failed item poses an immediate danger, stop work until the issue is resolved.

Documentation Requirements

1. Maintain a record of all safety audits, including the date, time, findings, and corrective actions. 2. Keep records of air quality tests, inspections, and training programs. 3. Retain design drawings for the primary supports. 4. Store records of exposures to toxic substances in accordance with regulations.