What is the recommended sequence for locating and protecting underground utilities before trenching?

What is the recommended sequence for locating and protecting underground utilities before trenching?

• A. Avoid trenching near utilities.
• B. Survey the area using a metal detector only.
• C. Contact local utility locator services, mark lines, avoid crossing lines, and use protective measures.
• D. Start trenching and hope to avoid lines.

Answer: (C)

Before you dig, identify where underground utilities actually run so you don’t hit them. The safest sequence is to contact local utility locator services (often by calling 811) so trained crews locate and mark the buried lines. They’ll use markings and flags to show where electricity, gas, water, and other pipes run. Once the lines are marked, plan your trench path to avoid crossing them, and if you must work near or across marked lines, implement protective measures such as using non-destructive digging methods near the lines, hand digging in the immediate vicinity, and providing appropriate trench protection (shoring or trench boxes) and site barriers. This approach minimizes the risk of damaging utilities, which can cause dangerous outcomes and service disruptions, and keeps workers safe.

Before you dig, identify where underground utilities actually run so you don’t hit them. The safest sequence is to contact local utility locator services (often by calling 811) so trained crews locate and mark the buried lines. They’ll use markings and flags to show where electricity, gas, water, and other pipes run. Once the lines are marked, plan your trench path to avoid crossing them, and if you must work near or across marked lines, implement protective measures such as using non-destructive digging methods near the lines, hand digging in the immediate vicinity, and providing appropriate trench protection (shoring or trench boxes) and site barriers. This approach minimizes the risk of damaging utilities, which can cause dangerous outcomes and service disruptions, and keeps workers safe.