Free excavation permit template

• The MapTrack excavation permit template contains 22 checks across 6 sections. Sections covered: Site Details, Services Location, Soil Classification, Shoring / Benching, Access / Egress, Environmental Controls.
• Work in or near a trench or shaft deeper than 1.5 metres is high risk construction work under model WHS regulation 291, so a SWMS is needed first.
• Record the underground services information obtained before digging. Part 6.3 Division 3 covers essential services information and trench controls.
• In the US, 29 CFR 1926.651 requires daily competent person inspections where employee exposure can reasonably be anticipated.
• US cave-in protection under 1926.652 is not required in excavations made entirely in stable rock, or under 5 feet where a competent person finds no sign of cave-in.
• Reissue the permit when depth, dimensions, ground or weather conditions change, or when uncharted services turn up.

Learn more about compliance and inspections in MapTrack.

Issuing excavation permits on civil sites? See civil site asset tracking software for the plant, shoring and gear on each job.

• Systematic risk control: the permit ensures every critical control, from soil classification to underground services verification, is confirmed before excavation begins.
• Underground services protection: the permit prompts mandatory DBYD checks, on-site service locating and hand-dig requirements near services, reducing strike risk.
• Trench collapse prevention: documenting the protective system (shoring, battering, benching or trench shields) ensures the chosen method matches the soil conditions and excavation depth.
• Regulatory compliance: a completed permit demonstrates due diligence under WHS Regulations, OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P and equivalent international standards.
• Accountability: the permit records who assessed the site, who authorised the excavation and who is performing the work, creating clear lines of responsibility.
• Audit trail: completed permits provide documented evidence for safety audits, regulatory inspections and incident investigations.

• Permit details: permit number, date, valid from/to, site location, project name.
• Excavation details: type of excavation (trench, shaft, tunnel, open cut), planned dimensions (length, width, depth), purpose of excavation.
• Soil classification: soil type (rock, Type A/B/C cohesive, granular, mixed), method of classification, assessment by competent person.
• Underground services: DBYD plan reference number, services identified (gas, water, electricity, telecommunications, sewer, stormwater), on-site service locating method (GPR, cable locator, potholing), hand-dig zone marked.
• Protective system: method selected (shoring, battering, benching, trench shield, open cut with battered sides), design reference, competent person approval.
• Access and egress: ladder or ramp locations, spacing (within 7.5 m of any worker in a trench), condition.
• Edge protection: barricades, flagging, covers over openings, setback distance for spoil and plant.
• Atmospheric monitoring: gas testing requirements (if applicable), results, continuous monitoring.
• Traffic management: traffic management plan reference, signage, barriers, spotter requirements.
• Emergency response: rescue plan, first aid, communication, emergency contacts.
• Authorisation: site supervisor, safety officer and competent person sign-off.
• Permit close-out: excavation backfilled or secured, barricades in place, permit cancelled, signed off.

1. Complete the permit details, including permit number, date, validity period, site location and excavation description.

   Record the unique permit number, date of issue, expiry date, project name and the precise location of the excavation. Include the planned dimensions (length, width and depth) and the purpose of the excavation so that reviewers can assess the scope.

2. Classify the soil and record the assessment method. Confirm the planned protective system matches the soil conditions and excavation depth.

   A competent person inspects the excavation face and uses visual and manual tests to classify the soil as rock, Type A, B or C. Record the method used, such as thumb penetration or pocket penetrometer, and confirm the selected protective system (shoring, battering, benching or trench shields) is appropriate for the classification and depth.

3. Verify underground services, confirm the DBYD plan is current, on-site locating has been completed and hand-dig zones are marked.

   Obtain the Dial Before You Dig (DBYD) plan reference number and confirm the plan covers the excavation footprint. Use non-destructive locating methods such as ground-penetrating radar or electromagnetic cable locators to verify service positions. Mark hand-dig zones clearly with paint or stakes and record results on the permit.

4. Work through the remaining pre-excavation checklist: access and egress, edge protection, atmospheric monitoring, traffic management and emergency response. Mark each item as complete, not required or requires action.

   Confirm ladders or ramps are in place within 7.5 m of any worker, spoil is stockpiled at least 1 m from the edge, barricades and signage are erected, gas testing has been completed if required, the traffic management plan is active and the rescue plan and first aid arrangements are confirmed.

5. The competent person, site supervisor and safety officer sign to authorise the excavation.

   Each signatory reviews the completed checklist, confirms all controls are in place and signs with their name, position and date. If any critical item fails, the permit must not be authorised until the deficiency is corrected. File the signed permit on site and upload to MapTrack for digital record-keeping.

6. When the excavation is complete or at the end of each shift, close out the permit. Confirm the excavation is backfilled or secured, barricades are in place and sign off.

   Walk the excavation boundary and verify the trench is either fully backfilled or secured with barriers and covers. Remove temporary shoring only after backfill is complete. Cancel the permit by signing the close-out section with the date and time, then archive the record for audits and regulatory inspections.

Practical answers about the form, record keeping and using MapTrack.

This form is a starting point. Check the current requirements that apply to your equipment, work and location. The form alone does not establish compliance.

Each source was read at its publisher and the page checked on 26 October 2026. The publisher's current text is the authority.

• Model WHS Regulations (Safe Work Australia)

MapTrack publishes this template. The linked authorities publish their own guidance; they haven't endorsed this form.

• OSHA trenching and excavation safety checklist
• Confined space entry permit
• Hot work permit
• Safety inspection checklist
• Permit to work form
• Compliance and inspections
• Pricing