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


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


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



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


Current Weather and Ground Conditions



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?


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 Expiration Date/Time

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


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?

Electric High Voltage
PowerCo Grid
Red
1.2
2.5
Yes
 
Gas Distribution Main
MetroGas Ltd
Yellow
0.9
1.8
Yes
Yes
Telecom Fiber Optic
DataFlow Comm
Orange
0.6
3.2
 
 
Water Main
City Water Authority
Blue
1.5
0.5
Yes
Yes
Sanitary Sewer
City Waste Mgmt
Green
2.1
1.2
Yes
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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


Primary Geophysical Detection Method Used


Was Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) scanning conducted?


Was electromagnetic detection used to verify metallic utilities?


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


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


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?


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



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


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


Maximum Allowable Trench Depth for This Protective System (Meters)

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


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


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?


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


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


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


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


Number of Ladders, Ramps, or Stairways Installed

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


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


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?



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


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?

7/14/2025, 6:30 AM
20.8
0
0
0
J. Martinez
Yes
7/14/2025, 8:30 AM
20.7
0
0
0
J. Martinez
Yes
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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


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


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


Is vibration monitoring required due to nearby operations or equipment?


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


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


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


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


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


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?

Carlos Mendez
ABC Excavation
Equipment Operator
No
Yes
Yes
Sarah Chen
ABC Excavation
Pipe Layer
No
Yes
Yes
David Okafor
Utility Locators Inc
Spotter
Yes
Yes
Yes
Maria Santos
Safety Watch Co
Atmospheric Tester
Yes
Yes
Yes
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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


Do all workers understand and acknowledge their stop work authority?


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

Are emergency contact numbers posted visibly at the excavation site?


Has a change in conditions been observed since initial inspection?


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)?


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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