Authorization Permit for Excavation, Trenching & Digging Operations in Proximity to Underground Utility Infrastructure

1. Section 1: Excavation Site & Utility Location Grid Metadata - Precise Geographic and Site Characterization Data

This section establishes the exact location, dimensions, and environmental context of the proposed excavation. All coordinates and measurements must be verified by a competent person before permit issuance. Inaccurate metadata invalidates this permit.

 

Permit Number

Project Name & Contract Number

Exact Site Address or Mile Marker Location

Grid Reference Easting Coordinate (UTM or Local Grid System)

Grid Reference Northing Coordinate (UTM or Local Grid System)

GPS Latitude (Decimal Degrees)

GPS Longitude (Decimal Degrees)

Planned Excavation Depth (Meters)

Planned Excavation Length (Meters)

Planned Excavation Width (Meters)

Soil Classification Based on Competent Person Assessment

 

Describe the exceptional hazardous conditions requiring Type C-60 classification:

 

Describe each soil layer, thickness, and classification in this mixed system:

Has a soil test (e.g., pocket penetrometer, shear vane) been conducted within the last 24 hours?

 

Test Method Used and Unconfined Compressive Strength (kPa)

 

CRITICAL: Soil testing is mandatory before permit issuance. This permit cannot be authorized without documented soil testing within 24 hours.

Select All Adjacent Structures or Conditions Within 6 Meters of Excavation Edge (Select all that apply)

 

Distance to Foundation (Meters)

 

Traffic Load Classification (Equivalent Single Axle Load)

 

Describe Equipment Type, Weight, and Operating Radius:

Will traffic control measures be implemented to restrict vehicle loads near excavation?

 

Describe Traffic Control Plan and Load Restrictions:

 

WARNING: Adjacent loads must be controlled. If heavy traffic cannot be restricted, additional engineering controls are required.

Current Weather and Ground Conditions

 

Has a geotechnical engineer approved work in these saturated conditions?

 

Engineer Name and Approval Reference Number

 

CRITICAL: Work in saturated ground conditions requires explicit geotechnical approval. Permit cannot be issued without this.

 

Has frost depth been verified to be below excavation depth?

Upload Site Sketch or Map Showing Excavation Boundaries, Utility Grid, North Arrow, and Scale

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Has this location been previously excavated within the last 5 years?

 

Provide Previous Permit Numbers, Dates, and Any Incidents or Utility Strikes Recorded:

2. Section 2: Underground Utility Location (811/One-Call) & Ground Scan Verification - Multi-Method Detection and Clearance Confirmation

This section verifies that all underground utilities have been identified, located, and physically marked through multiple detection methods. A single detection method is insufficient for high-risk permits. All utility clearance distances must be confirmed before excavation begins.

 

Has a One-Call or equivalent utility notification service been contacted?

 

One-Call Ticket Number

 

CRITICAL: One-Call notification is mandatory. This permit cannot be authorized without documented One-Call clearance.

One-Call Ticket Expiration Date/Time

Have all utility owners responded and physically marked their underground facilities?

 

CRITICAL: All utilities must be marked before excavation. Contact One-Call immediately to escalate non-responsive utilities.

Utility Location Verification Matrix - Each Utility Must Be Documented

Utility Type

Utility Owner Company Name

Marked Color Code (APWA Standard)

Approximate Depth (Meters)

Horizontal Clearance from Excavation Edge (Meters)

Verified by Vacuum Excavation?

Conflict with Planned Excavation?

A
B
C
D
E
F
G
1
Electric High Voltage
PowerCo Grid
Red
1.2
2.5
Yes
 
2
Gas Distribution Main
MetroGas Ltd
Yellow
0.9
1.8
Yes
Yes
3
Telecom Fiber Optic
DataFlow Comm
Orange
0.6
3.2
 
 
4
Water Main
City Water Authority
Blue
1.5
0.5
Yes
Yes
5
Sanitary Sewer
City Waste Mgmt
Green
2.1
1.2
Yes
 
6
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
7
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
8
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
9
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Are there any unmarked or abandoned utilities suspected in the area?

 

Describe Suspected Unmarked Utility, Evidence Basis, and Mitigation Plan:

Primary Geophysical Detection Method Used

 

List All Methods Used and Rationale for Combined Approach:

Was Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) scanning conducted?

 

GPR Equipment Model, Frequency Range, Scan Density, and Key Findings:

Was electromagnetic detection used to verify metallic utilities?

 

EM Locator Model, Frequency Used, and Calibration Date:

Has vacuum excavation (potholing) been performed to physically verify utility depth and horizontal position?

 

Number of Vacuum Excavation Test Holes Completed

 

WARNING: Vacuum excavation is the only definitive method to verify utility location. Without potholing, this permit is elevated to extreme risk category and requires additional approvals.

Are all utilities cleared beyond the minimum approach distance (typically 0.5 meters for trenches, 3 meters for mechanical equipment)?

 

Identify Utilities Within Clearance Zone and Describe Additional Protective Measures (e.g., hand digging, utility exposure, engineered protection):

Upload Photos of All Utility Markings Showing Color Codes, Reference Points, and Excavation Boundaries

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Has a conflict matrix been prepared for utilities that cross or parallel the excavation?

 

Upload Utility Conflict Matrix and Mitigation Plan Document

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3. Section 3: Trench Protective Systems (Shoring/Sloping/Shielding) Inspection - Engineering Controls and Daily Verification

This section ensures that appropriate protective systems are selected, installed correctly, and inspected daily by a competent person. The system must match the soil classification and excavation dimensions. Any deviation requires immediate engineering review.

 

Selected Protective System Type

 

Slope Ratio (Horizontal:Vertical) - e.g., 1.5:1

 

Engineer's Name and Design Approval Number

 

Describe Combination System Components and Integration Method:

Is the protective system design based on tabulated data from manufacturer or regulatory standards?

 

Tabulated Data Reference Number and Source Document

 

Provide Engineering Design Justification and Calculation Methodology:

Has a registered professional engineer designed or approved this protective system?

 

Engineer Registration Number and Approval Date

Maximum Allowable Trench Depth for This Protective System (Meters)

Does this excavation exceed the maximum allowable depth for standard protective systems?

 

Describe Engineered Controls for Deep Excavation (>6 meters) including Multiple Bench Levels or Stepped Systems:

Has the protective system been inspected by a competent person before installation?

 

Competent Person Name and Certification ID

I confirm that the competent person has training and experience in: soil analysis, protective system use, and regulatory requirements

Are all shoring components (panels, wales, struts, hydraulic cylinders) free from defects, damage, or excessive rust?

 

Describe Defective Components and Corrective Actions Taken:

Is the protective system installed exactly according to manufacturer specifications and engineering drawings?

 

Describe Any Deviations and Engineering Approval for Modifications:

Are spoil piles and equipment stored at least 0.6 meters from the excavation edge?

 

Actual Distance of Spoil Pile from Edge (Meters)

Are there any surcharge loads (equipment, materials) within the excavation influence zone?

 

Describe Surcharge Load, Weight, Distance from Edge, and Engineering Assessment:

Are safe access and egress points provided within 7.5 meters of lateral travel for all workers?

 

Describe Access/Egress Configuration and Justification for Extended Travel Distance:

Number of Ladders, Ramps, or Stairways Installed

Is there visible evidence of water seepage or groundwater intrusion into the excavation?

 

Describe Water Intrigation Rate, Pumping Capacity, and Dewatering Plan:

Has the protective system been load-tested or proof-tested after installation?

 

Test Load Applied (kN) and Test Date/Time

Upload Photos of Installed Protective System from Multiple Angles Showing Full Configuration

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4. Section 4: Atmospheric Gas Testing & Hazardous Environmental Checks - Continuous Monitoring and Emergency Preparedness

This section ensures atmospheric hazards are identified, monitored, and controlled. Testing must be conducted at multiple depths and times. Continuous monitoring is required where oxygen deficiency or toxic gases are possible. Emergency rescue equipment must be on-site before entry.

 

Is this excavation deeper than 1.2 meters and could it contain a hazardous atmosphere?

 

Potential Atmospheric Hazards (Select all that apply)

 

Will continuous atmospheric monitoring be used?

 

Has hot work permit been issued for this excavation?

Has the gas detection equipment been bump-tested and calibrated within the last 30 days?

 

Calibration Date and Next Due Date

 

CRITICAL: Uncalibrated gas detectors cannot be used. Equipment must be calibrated before permit issuance.

Atmospheric Testing Log - Test Every 2 Hours and Before Each Shift Change

Test Date/Time

Oxygen %

Lower Explosive Limit %

H2S ppm

CO ppm

Tester Name

Atmosphere Safe for Entry?

A
B
C
D
E
F
G
1
7/14/2025, 6:30 AM
20.8
0
0
0
J. Martinez
Yes
2
7/14/2025, 8:30 AM
20.7
0
0
0
J. Martinez
Yes
3
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
7
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
8
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
9
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Is ventilation equipment (blower, eductor) required to maintain safe atmosphere?

 

Ventilation Equipment Type, CFM Rating, Placement Location, and Air Changes Per Hour:

Is there standing water or evidence of water accumulation in the excavation?

 

Water Depth, Source Assessment, and Dewatering Method (e.g., wellpoints, sump pumps):

Could adjacent industrial processes release gases or liquids into this excavation?

 

Describe Adjacent Process, Potential Contaminants, and Monitoring Strategy:

Is vibration monitoring required due to nearby operations or equipment?

 

Vibration Threshold Limits, Monitoring Equipment Location, and Real-Time Alert System:

Is noise monitoring required due to equipment or confined space acoustics?

 

Measured dBA Level at Worker Position

Is emergency rescue equipment (tripod, winch, harness) positioned at the excavation?

 

Rescue Equipment Capacity, Anchor Point Strength Verification, and Trained Rescue Personnel Name:

 

WARNING: Rescue equipment must be immediately available for excavations deeper than 1.2 meters with potential atmospheric hazards.

Are workers equipped with personal gas monitors with audible/visual alarms?

 

Number of Personal Monitors Deployed

Is there a communication system (radio, hardline) between entrant and attendant?

 

Describe Alternative Communication Method and Backup System:

Has an emergency response plan been reviewed with all workers today?

 

Emergency Assembly Point Location and Medical Facility Contact

Upload Photo of Gas Detection Equipment and Calibration Certificate

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5. Section 5: Site Superintendent & Safety Director Joint Sign-Off - Final Authorization and Accountability

This final section requires joint authorization from both Site Superintendent and Safety Director. Both parties must physically inspect the site and verify all preceding sections. This permit is valid only for the date and time specified and must be reissued for any changes in conditions, personnel, or scope.

 

Permit Effective Date

Permit Start Time (Work Cannot Begin Before This Time)

Permit Expiration Time (Maximum 12-Hour Duration)

Total Number of Workers Authorized Under This Permit

Authorized Work Crew List - All Workers Must Be Briefed and Sign Below

Worker Full Name

Company/Contractor

Role/Trade

Competent Person Designation

Safety Briefing Completed?

Acknowledges Stop Work Authority?

A
B
C
D
E
F
1
Carlos Mendez
ABC Excavation
Equipment Operator
No
Yes
Yes
2
Sarah Chen
ABC Excavation
Pipe Layer
No
Yes
Yes
3
David Okafor
Utility Locators Inc
Spotter
Yes
Yes
Yes
4
Maria Santos
Safety Watch Co
Atmospheric Tester
Yes
Yes
Yes
5
 
 
 
 
 
 
6
 
 
 
 
 
 
7
 
 
 
 
 
 
8
 
 
 
 
 
 
9
 
 
 
 
 
 
10
 
 
 
 
 
 

Has a pre-work safety briefing been conducted covering all hazards and controls?

 

Briefing Topics Covered and Worker Questions/Concerns Raised:

Do all workers understand and acknowledge their stop work authority?

 

CRITICAL: Stop work authority must be understood by all workers. Conduct immediate refresher training before permit issuance.

Select All Required Documentation Physically On-Site (Select all that apply)

Are emergency contact numbers posted visibly at the excavation site?

 

List Emergency Contacts: Utility Owners, Hospital, Fire, Poison Control, Site Management:

Has a change in conditions been observed since initial inspection?

 

Describe Changed Condition (weather, soil, utilities, atmosphere) and Engineering Re-Assessment:

 

SITE SUPERINTENDENT DECLARATION: I have personally inspected this excavation site, reviewed all utility location verifications, confirmed protective system installation, witnessed atmospheric testing, and verified all safety controls are in place. I authorize work to proceed under the conditions specified. I understand that this permit is immediately void if any condition changes or if an incident occurs.

 

Site Superintendent Signature

Site Superintendent Printed Name

Superintendent License/Certification Number

Superintendent Sign-Off Date/Time

 

SAFETY DIRECTOR DECLARATION: I have independently verified all safety systems, reviewed atmospheric test logs, confirmed rescue equipment availability, ensured competent person qualifications, and validated emergency procedures. I concur with the Site Superintendent's authorization and confirm that all regulatory and company safety requirements have been met. I retain authority to suspend this permit at any time.

 

Safety Director Signature

Safety Director Printed Name

Safety Director License/Certification Number

Safety Director Sign-Off Date/Time

Has this permit been reviewed and approved by a third-party safety auditor (if required by contract)?

 

Third-Party Auditor Signature (if applicable)

 

PERMIT STATUS: This permit is valid ONLY for the date, time, location, and conditions specified. Any deviation requires immediate permit suspension and re-authorization. All workers must cease work and evacuate if: unauthorized utility is encountered, protective system fails, atmospheric alarm sounds, water accumulation occurs, or competent person orders evacuation.

 

I acknowledge that I have read and understand all conditions and limitations of this permit

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