Underground Utility Strikes Toolbox Talk

Underground Utility Strikes Safety Talk

Over a span of 20 years, the Common Ground Alliance (CGA) has dealt with many underground utility strikes. It is extremely dangerous when this type of incident happens. Not only can it result in property damages, but it is also a hazard to everyone around the area as well. In this toolbox talk, we'll talk about excavation best practices for avoiding underground utility strikes and what to do should you strike one.

How to best avoid utility line strikes during excavation

All construction workers and excavating contractors should be briefed on rules and safety regulations before an excavation job begins. There are a few best practices that you can put into place to avoid utility line strikes during excavation:

1. Call 811

811 is a number that you dial to have lines marked. It is a completely free service that you can take advantage of to prevent a damage incident to your underground utility lines. Damage to an underground line can affect more than just you.

You should do this before the job even begins, that way there aren't any questions about where the lines are located. This is a necessary step in the pre-task planning process to make sure everyone who is going to be affected by this utility line work is notified. Once this process is completed, it is safe to begin the work.

2. Know the tolerance zone

The tolerance zone is the area where you aren’t supposed to dig with machinery. That includes any pointed tools that can damage the utility lines. Depending on the state you are working in, the tolerance zones are going to vary.

This is often around 18-inch on either side of the marked zones. In some states, the tolerance zone is an even broader width. Only hand digging and blunt-edged excavation are allowed in these zones.

3. Stop excavation

If you come across an area that has unmarked utility lines, you should stop excavation work immediately and call 811. The same goes for areas that are marked as having underground utilities but don’t seem to have any.

4. Facilities and private property

When you are working in these types of areas, dialing 811 is not necessary. These areas require you to use a different strategy. There are some methods that you can use to detect where these underground utility lines are located, such as:

• Ground-penetrating radar

• Private locators

• As-built drawings

• Professionals or individuals with experience

How to safely hand dig around underground utility lines

When you come across a marked utility line while performing excavation work, you must use another method other than heavy equipment. Here are some ways you can properly hand dig in these areas:

• Use a rounded or blunt-edged shovel — This will help prevent any damage being done to the utility lines.

• Do not start digging directly over the marked area — You want to start digging off to the side of the marked area. That way you can locate the utility line without damaging it.

• Always work cautiously - It is important to be careful when you are working around these underground lines. Pay close attention to make sure you do not cause any damage to them.

• Remove soil carefully - You don’t want to pry any soil against a line. Make sure to remove it carefully and not forcefully.

What to do if you hit an underground utility line

It can be scary when you realize that you have hit an underground line. Try to stay calm and take the necessary steps to ensure safety for you and anyone in the area. Here are a few safety tips to remember if you are ever in this situation:

1. Clear the area

Don’t stay in the area and try to assess the problem. The first thing that you should do if you hit an underground line is to clear the entire area. All crew members need to move out of the way. You can assess the situations from afar to be safe.

2. Be aware of everything

You can naturally notice if a fire sparks or if there are any electrical issues. Be mindful of the smells that occur as well. Natural gas has a distinct smell that all construction workers should know.

If you smell natural gas, get to a safe distance away from the leak and call 911 immediately. Gas leaks are very dangerous for you, your crew, and the surrounding area. Open flames and even small sparks are particularly dangerous and can cause a fire.

3. Call the utility company

After you have assessed all the immediate danger, your next step should be calling the utility company responsible for the area. They need to know what happened and should be informed about what occurred. They can also give information about what to do and how to help in the situation.