5 Steps to Avoid Hitting Utility Lines & Pipes During Excavation

To help prevent hitting underground utility lines and pipes during excavation, the OSHA Excavation standards require employers to do the following:

1. Determine the approximate location(s) of utility installations — including sewer, telephone, fuel, electric, and water lines. 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.
2. Contact and notify the utility companies or owners involved to inform them of the proposed work within established or customary local response times.
3. Ask the 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.
4. Determine the exact location of underground installations by safe and acceptable means when excavation operations approach the approximate location of the installations.
5. Ensure that while the excavation is open, underground installations are protected, supported or removed as necessary to safeguard workers.

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At Ron Meyer & Associate Excavating, Inc, we’ve been providing underground and commercial construction to private and commercial businesses for 39 years. As the general contractor or subcontractor, our experienced foremen, equipment operators, pipe layers, truck drivers and well-maintained equipment fleet make us an undeniable choice for your excavating services. Let’s talk about your project!

Sources:

• https://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha2226.pdf