Chapter 5
5.10 Locate Verification93/
Practice Statement:
Prior to excavation, excavators verify that they are at the correct location, verify locate markings have been performed by facility owners/operators who have responded as "marked," and, to the best of their ability, check for unmarked facilities.
Practice Description:
Upon arrival at the excavation site and prior to beginning the excavation, an excavator does the following:
- Verifies that the dig site matches the 811 request and that the waiting period has ended as defined by state/provincial law.
- Verifies all facility markings are in agreement with the positive responses.ed and reviews color codes if in doubt.
- Checks for any visible signs of underground facilities, such as pedestals, risers, meters, and new trench lines.
- Checks for any facilities that are not members of the 811 center and contacts responsible parties to request their assistance for locates.
Use of a pre-excavation checklist is recommended by insurers and practiced by responsible excavating contractors.
Reference:
- Existing practice by excavators, including Pauley Construction and W.F. Wilson & Sons, Inc.
- CGA Best Practice 4-21