Underground Utilities
There are important steps the employer should take to minimize the risk of unexpectedly encountering underground utilities such as sewer, telephone, fuel, electric, water lines, or any other underground installations that reasonably may be expected to be encountered during excavation work.
Always check for and mark underground utilities.
Before starting work, the excavation standards require employers to do the following:
- Determine the approximate location(s) of utility installations. One common industry practice is to call 811, the "Call Before You Dig" number, to establish the location of any underground utility installations in the work area.
- Contact and notify the utility companies or owners involved at least 2 days prior to the start of work to inform them of the proposed work.
- Ask utility companies or owners to establish the location of underground installations prior to the start of excavation work. If they cannot respond within 24 hours (unless the period required by state or local law is longer) or cannot establish the exact location of the utility installations, employers may proceed with caution, which includes using detection equipment or other acceptable means to locate utility installations.
- Determine the exact location of underground installations by safe and acceptable means when excavation operations approach the approximate location of the installations.
- Ensure that while the excavation is open, underground installations are protected, supported or removed as necessary to safeguard workers.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
6-5. If a utility company cannot establish the exact location of an underground utility, what action may the employer take?
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