Underground Utility Locating Excavation Safety
A safety talk emphasizing the importance of locating underground utilities before excavation.
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Key Hazards
- Striking gas, electric, or water lines
- Service disruptions
- Explosion or electrocution
2–3 Minute Talk Script
Underground utility locating safety is critical before excavation begins.
Utility locates must be requested and verified before digging.
Marked utilities must be respected, and hand digging used when required.
Assumptions about utility locations lead to serious incidents.
Safety Reminders
- Request utility locates before digging.
- Respect marked utilities.
- Use hand digging near utilities.
- Stop work if utilities are uncovered.
Ask the Crew
- Have all utilities been located?
- Are markings visible and understood?