Best Practices Version 19.0

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Chapter 5

5.10 Locate Verification

Practice Statement:

Prior to excavation, excavators verify that they are at the correct location, verify locate markings 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 one call request and is timely
  • Verifies that all facilities have been marked and reviews color codes if in doubt
  • Verifies all service feeds from buildings and homes
  • 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 contact someone to get them located.

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.

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