Roadside Ditching Safety Checklist

This checklist is designed to ensure safe practices during roadside ditching operations. Complete this checklist before beginning work and periodically during the task.

I. Pre-Operation Checks:

• Equipment Inspection:
  • Ensure all equipment is in good working order (e.g., excavators, loaders, trucks). Refer to manufacturer's specifications [1].
  • Check brakes, steering, and other critical systems. Ensure braking systems meet safety standards [2].
  • Inspect for any leaks, damage, or missing parts.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
  • Verify all workers have and are using appropriate PPE, including high-visibility apparel [1].
  • Ensure hard hats, safety glasses, and safety boots are in good condition and properly worn.
• Traffic Control:
  • Implement a traffic control system if the work area is near a road [3].
  • Ensure warning signs are in place to alert drivers of the work zone [3].
  • Traffic control system must require vehicles to operate with headlights on at all times [4].
  • Use designated signallers to direct traffic if needed [5].
• Site Assessment:
  • Check for underground utilities or other potential hazards before digging.
  • Ensure safe distances are maintained from any right of way for a highway or thoroughfare [6].
  • Assess the stability of the ditch walls and implement shoring or sloping as necessary [6].

II. During Operation Checks:

• Equipment Operation:
  • Operate equipment at safe speeds and in a controlled manner [7].
  • Avoid steep grades that exceed equipment design capacity [7].
  • Ensure operators are qualified and trained to use the equipment [8].
• Excavation Safety:
  • Maintain a safe distance from the edge of the excavation.
  • Ensure the working face is less than 1.5 meters above the maximum height that the excavation equipment can reach [5].
  • Monitor the ditch walls for any signs of instability [5].
• Traffic Management:
  • Continuously monitor traffic flow and adjust traffic control measures as needed [3].
  • Ensure signallers are clearly visible and effectively communicating with equipment operators and drivers [5].
• Environmental Conditions:
  • Monitor weather conditions and suspend work if conditions become unsafe (e.g., heavy rain, high winds).
  • Ensure adequate lighting is provided if working at night or in low-light conditions.

III. Post-Operation Checks:

• Site Cleanup:
  • Remove all equipment and materials from the work area.
  • Backfill any excavations and restore the area to a safe condition.
• Traffic Control Removal:
  • Remove traffic control devices in a safe and orderly manner.
  • Ensure the road is clear of obstructions before reopening it to traffic.
• Reporting:
  • Report any incidents, accidents, or near misses to the supervisor [6].
  • Keep a record of the inspection for at least 2 years [6].

IV. Corrective Actions:

• List any corrective actions needed based on the inspection:

  ---

  ---

  ---

V. Signatures:

• Inspector: _________________________ Date: ____________
• Supervisor: _________________________ Date: ____________