Underground utility damaged during excavation: what to do
Stop work, evacuate the area and contact emergency services and the network owner without attempting repair.
Stop all excavation. Move people and machinery away, prohibit flames and engines, then call 911 and the network emergency service from a safe place.
Do not conceal damage
Do not backfill, pinch, plug or try to repair a pipe, cable or duct. Even a scrape may require inspection.
Describe the location
Provide address, landmarks, work type, time, observed signs, locate plans and site access. Follow responder separation distances.
Notify the parties
Contact the network owner, project owner, employer and Info-Excavation under applicable procedures. Keep occurrence numbers and responder names.
Preserve the record
Keep the locate request, plans, ground markings, photos taken from a distance, site log and restart instructions. Wait for authorization before resuming.
Info-Excavation — prevention and emergency