To determine if Dave has enough experience to be an excavation competent person, you need to assess whether he is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings, or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them 1, 3.

Consider these points when assessing Dave's competency:

• Hazard Identification: Can Dave recognize potential hazards related to the excavation work, such as cave-ins, hazardous atmospheres, or unstable adjacent structures 1, 4, 9?
• Corrective Actions: Does Dave have the authority and ability to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate identified hazards 1, 3?
• Knowledge of Regulations: Is Dave familiar with relevant safety regulations and standards, such as those outlined in OSHA's Subpart P - Excavations [1]?
• Soil Classification: Can Dave classify soil and rock deposits based on visual and manual analysis 6, 7?
• Inspection Procedures: Is Dave able to perform daily inspections of excavations, adjacent areas, and protective systems for any evidence of potential hazards [2]?