create a safety audit for a site that is tunnels and shafts doesnt have to be as technical as what a site engineer would do
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 general safety practices and regulatory compliance on tunnel and shaft construction sites. This checklist is designed to identify potential hazards and verify that appropriate control measures are in place. It should be used regularly throughout the project lifecycle.
Instructions for Use
- 1. Conduct the audit at the specified frequency (daily, weekly, etc.).
- 2. Inspect each item on the checklist and note whether it passes or fails.
- 3. For each failed item, record the corrective actions taken.
- 4. Ensure all documentation requirements are met.
- 5. Submit the completed checklist to the designated safety personnel.
Frequency
This checklist should be completed: Daily
Safety Checklist
General Site Safety
| Item | Pass | Fail | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safe access and egress to all work areas. Check: Clear pathways, free of obstructions and hazards. If failed: Remove obstructions, repair damaged walkways, and improve lighting. | _________________ | ||
| Underground openings are secured when not in use. Check: Openings are covered, bulkheaded, fenced off, or restricted by gates or doors and appropriately posted. If failed: Install barriers, covers, or gates with warning signs. | _________________ | ||
| Areas subject to subsidence are fenced and posted. Check: Fencing and warning signs are in place around subsidence areas. If failed: Install fencing and warning signs; stabilize the ground if necessary. | _________________ |
Fire Prevention and Protection
| Item | Pass | Fail | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compliance with fire prevention and protection requirements. [1] Check: Adherence to Construction Safety Standard Part 18, "Fire Prevention and Protection." If failed: Implement fire safety measures; train employees on fire prevention and response. | _________________ | ||
| Smoking and open flames are prohibited. [1] Check: No evidence of smoking or open flames in prohibited areas; personal ignition sources collected. If failed: Enforce smoking ban; remove ignition sources. | _________________ | ||
| Proper storage of flammable and combustible fluids. [1] Check: Flammable liquids stored in tightly sealed containers in fire-resistant areas, away from ignition sources. If failed: Relocate improperly stored materials; provide proper storage containers. | _________________ | ||
| Fire extinguishers are provided and readily accessible. [1] Check: Approved fire extinguishers of appropriate rating (e.g., 4A:40B:C) are available at designated locations. If failed: Install or replace fire extinguishers; ensure clear access. | _________________ |
Electrical Safety
| Item | Pass | Fail | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical installations meet safety standards. [1] Check: Compliance with Construction Safety Standard Part 17, "Electrical Installations." If failed: Correct electrical hazards; consult a qualified electrician. | _________________ | ||
| Lighting fixtures in storage areas are approved for Class I, Division 2 locations. [1] Check: Fixtures within 25 feet of oil, grease, or diesel fuel storage are appropriately rated. If failed: Replace fixtures with approved models. | _________________ | ||
| Emergency lighting is available and functional. [1] Check: Supplemental lighting (flashlights, lanterns) is present and sufficient for evacuation. If failed: Provide or repair emergency lighting; test functionality. | _________________ |
Ground Support and Excavation
| Item | Pass | Fail | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular inspection of ground support systems. [2] Check: Qualified employee inspects roof, face, and walls at the start of each shift and frequently thereafter. If failed: Implement regular inspection schedule; train employees on inspection procedures. | _________________ | ||
| Loose soil or rock is scaled or supported. [2] Check: Loose material is removed or properly supported to prevent falls. If failed: Scale loose material; install additional supports. | _________________ | ||
| Damaged ground supports are promptly repaired or replaced. [2] Check: Any damaged supports are repaired or replaced immediately. If failed: Repair or replace damaged supports; ensure proper installation. | _________________ | ||
| Shafts are properly supported. [2] Check: Shafts more than 5 feet deep are braced to support the surrounding earth. If failed: Install or repair shaft bracing. | _________________ |
Air Quality and Ventilation
| Item | Pass | Fail | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adequate ventilation is provided. [5] Check: Sufficient fresh air is supplied to prevent accumulation of dusts, fumes, mists, vapors, or gases. If failed: Increase ventilation; inspect ventilation equipment. | _________________ | ||
| Air quality is regularly monitored. [5] Check: Atmosphere tested for oxygen content, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, methane, and other toxic/flammable gases. If failed: Conduct air quality testing; adjust ventilation as needed. | _________________ | ||
| Action taken when flammable gas levels exceed limits. [5] Check: Steps taken to increase ventilation or control gas concentration when 5% or more of the lower explosive limit is detected. If failed: Increase ventilation; implement gas control measures. | _________________ | ||
| Work suspended when flammable gas levels reach 10% near hot work. [2] Check: Welding, cutting, or other hot work is suspended if gas concentration exceeds 10% of the lower explosive limit. If failed: Suspend hot work; reduce gas concentration. | _________________ |
Emergency Procedures and Communication
| Item | Pass | Fail | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency evacuation plan is in place and known to employees. [4] Check: Evacuation plan is developed, communicated, and practiced. If failed: Develop or update evacuation plan; conduct training and drills. | _________________ | ||
| Rescue teams are available and trained. [4] Check: Sufficient number of trained rescue team members are available on-site or within specified travel time. If failed: Establish or reinforce rescue teams; provide necessary training. | _________________ | ||
| Escape-only respirators are available and maintained. [4] Check: Respirators with a minimum 5-minute air supply are available at workstations and in good operating condition. If failed: Provide or replace respirators; conduct maintenance and training. | _________________ | ||
| Effective communication system is in place. [3] Check: Means of communication between the lowest point of the shaft and the surface is available and functional. If failed: Install or repair communication system; test functionality. | _________________ |
Haulage and Equipment Safety
| Item | Pass | Fail | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haulage locomotives have functional brakes and controls. [6] Check: Locomotives equipped with suitable brakes, audible bell, and controls operable only from the driver's station. If failed: Repair or replace brakes and controls. | _________________ | ||
| Tracks are securely fastened. [6] Check: Track for haulage equipment is securely fastened to the ties. If failed: Repair or replace track fasteners. | _________________ | ||
| No riders on haulage locomotives (except driver). [6] Check: Only the driver is riding on the haulage locomotive. If failed: Enforce no-rider policy. | _________________ |
General Requirements
| Item | Pass | Fail | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employees are instructed in hazard recognition and avoidance. [4] Check: All employees have received training in recognizing and avoiding hazards associated with underground construction activities. If failed: Provide additional training; document training sessions. | _________________ | ||
| Project's general safety rules are issued to each employee. [4] Check: Each employee has received a copy of the project's general safety rules. If failed: Distribute safety rules; ensure understanding. | _________________ | ||
| Designated qualified person administers the safety program. [4] Check: A qualified person is designated and responsible for administering the safety program; written record of the safety training program is maintained. If failed: Designate a qualified person; establish and maintain training records. | _________________ | ||
| Check-in and check-out system is in place. [7] Check: A check-in and check-out system is used to identify and locate all employees underground. If failed: Implement or improve check-in/check-out system. | _________________ |
Failed Item Procedures
- 1. Immediately address any failed item that poses an immediate danger to workers.
- 2. Implement corrective actions as soon as possible.
- 3. Document all failed items and corrective actions taken.
- 4. Follow up to ensure corrective actions are effective.
Documentation Requirements
- Completed checklist forms.
- Records of corrective actions taken.
- Air quality monitoring records.
- Training records for all employees.
- Inspection records for ground support and equipment.
Checklist Completion
Overall Status: ☐ Pass ☐ Fail ☐ Corrective Actions Required
Inspector Signature: Date:
Supervisor Review: Date:
Corrective Actions Completed By: Date:
References and Standards
-
- Construction Safety and Health Standards (MIOSHA) Part 14. Tunnels, Shafts, Caissons, and Cofferdams
-
- Construction Safety and Health Standards (MIOSHA) Part 17 "Electrical Installations,"
-
- Construction Safety and Health Standards (MIOSHA) Part 18 "Fire Prevention and Protection,"
-
- O. Reg. 213/91. Construction Projects Regulation
This checklist must be retained for [RETENTION PERIOD].
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