Readiness check

Is your excavation and foundation work ready to start safely?

Most excavation and foundation failures are set in motion before the work starts: an unknown soil, an unlocated utility, no protective system, or water that was never planned for. Answer for how this job is actually set up, not how it usually goes. The score stays on your device; enter an email only if you want the excavation and foundation readiness checklist sent over.

1. Do you have a geotechnical report and know the soil and bearing conditions?Yes, a geotech report guides the workSome info, but no real soils reportNo, we are guessing at the soil

2. Have underground utilities been located and verified before you dig?Yes, located, marked, and potholed where neededCalled it in, not fully verifiedNo, we are digging without a locate

3. Is a protective system (slope, shield, or shoring) planned for the excavation depth?Yes, a competent-person system for the depth and soilSome plan, not engineered for the depthNo protective system planned

4. For a deep or adjacent cut, is engineered earth retention designed (not just a trench box)?Yes, an engineer designed the retention systemDeep cut but relying on standard methodsNo, and there are structures or streets nearby

5. Is groundwater addressed with a dewatering plan and a legal discharge?Yes, a dewatering plan with a permitted dischargeWe will pump if needed, no real planNo, water has not been considered

6. Is the foundation type and bearing matched to the soil and loads by an engineer?Yes, the foundation is engineered to the soil and loadA standard footing, not verified for this soilNo engineering on the foundation

7. Is access, spoil placement, and equipment kept back from the excavation edge?Yes, spoil and loads set back from the edgeSometimes, the edge gets crowdedNo, spoil and equipment sit at the edge

8. Is there an inspection and daily competent-person plan for the excavation?Yes, daily competent-person inspections and special inspectionOccasional checks, not formalNo inspection plan