Safety & Compliance · SOP

Trenching And Excavation Shoring Inspection

Pre-entry inspection of trench shoring and excavation protective systems to verify structural integrity, compliance with engineered design, and regulatory requirements under WorkSafeBC Part 20.

Estimated Time

45 min

Difficulty

Advanced

Regulation

WorkSafeBC Part 20

Version

1.0

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Purpose

This standard operating procedure defines the uniform process for inspecting trench shoring and excavation protective systems prior to worker entry. The inspection validates that installed shoring is free of structural damage, correctly positioned, and properly tagged per regulatory requirements. It also documents ground condition changes, water inflow, and the readiness of access/egress equipment. The goal is to prevent cave‑ins and ensure every worker enters a safe, engineered excavation.

Scope

This SOP applies to all excavations greater than 1.2 m in depth where protective systems (hydraulic shoring, aluminium trench boxes, beam and plate systems, or engineered timbers) are required. It covers pre‑entry daily inspections as well as inspections following any rainfall, blasting, or other disturbance that may affect shoring integrity. Workers designated as competent after documented training may perform the inspection. This procedure excludes benched or sloped excavations; those are covered under a separate SOP.

Safety Precautions

LOTOLockout/Tagout all utility lines adjacent to the excavation before any shoring adjustment or disassembly. Confirm with locate sheets and verify with a spotter.
PPEFull PPE: hard hat, high‑visibility vest, steel‑toed boots, gloves, eye protection, and hearing protection if heavy equipment is operating nearby.
CONFNever enter an unsupported trench. Do not rely solely on visual inspection if there is any sign of instability — consult the site engineer or supervisor immediately.
WATERIf standing water is present, do not enter until dewatering is completed and the shoring is re‑inspected. Water can rapidly erode trench walls and reduce shoring capacity.

Required Tools & Materials

Excavation permit and shoring design drawings
Inspection tag with date/status fields (or digital equivalent)
Daily shoring inspection form (paper or SafeDesk app)
Tape measure (7.5 m minimum) and torpedo level
Flashlight for inspecting dark corners and hydraulic fittings
Camera or smartphone for photographing defects
Spray paint or flagging tape for marking deficiencies

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Procedure: Step-by-Step

1 Pre-Inspection Documentation Review – Obtain the excavation permit, shoring design drawings, and any previous inspection tags or reports. Verify that the excavation depth, soil classification, and shoring type match the engineered design. Confirm that a competent person has been designated for this inspection.

2 Visual Inspection of Shoring Components – Walk the full perimeter of the trench. Inspect all shoring elements: hydraulic struts, panels, wales, and sheeting for visible damage, deformation, corrosion, or hydraulic fluid leaks. Pay particular attention to welds, connection pins, and base plates. Use a flashlight to view tight spaces.

3 Check Shoring Installation Geometry – Using a tape measure and level, confirm the shoring is installed per the design layout: vertical alignment, horizontal spacing, and depth of embedment. Verify no component has shifted or settled unevenly. Measure the distance between struts and compare to the drawing.

4 Assess Ground Conditions and Water Inflow – Examine the excavation walls and floor for signs of sloughing, cracking, or seepage. If water is present, note the rate of inflow and whether the shoring incorporates weep holes or a dewatering system. Re‑evaluate soil classification if conditions have changed (e.g., after rain).

5 Verify Access and Egress Equipment – Ensure an approved ladder or stairway is installed within the trench and extends at least 900 mm above the top of the excavation. Check that the ladder is securely anchored, free of damage, and that the rungs are clean and slip‑resistant.

6 Inspect Tagging and Warning Systems – Confirm the trench shoring has a current inspection tag showing date, inspector name, and approval status (Pass / Conditional / Fail). Inspect that barricades, warning signs (e.g., “Danger – Excavation”), and barriers are properly placed and visible from all approach directions.

7 Document Findings and Report – Record all inspection results on the daily shoring inspection form. Note any deficiencies, corrective actions taken, and re‑inspection interval (typically 24 hours or after any weather event that could affect stability). File the completed form and update the digital log using SafeDesk if deployed. If a condition is critical, stop work immediately and notify the supervisor.

Trenching And Excavation Shoring Inspection

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