CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE TO SAFE DIGGING

Whether you are plowing cable or digging a foundation, you could damage a buried utility line which could cost you money or your life.

Don’t Dig Until You Know What’s Below.

A Minimum of Three Full Working Days Notice is Required.

Remember, you need to submit your utility location request AT LEAST THREE FULL WORKING DAYS before you plan on starting your project. This ensures underground utilities are marked, and you are digging safely.

 

 

 

PLAN AHEAD

Every year, contractors in Manitoba damage buried utility lines on their jobsites resulting in costly repairs, lawsuits, injuries and even fatalities. Follow this guide to make sure you, your crew and your business are protected and digging safely.

 

Step 1

Submit your locate request online or by phone. Go to Submit Locate Request or call 1.800.940.3447 to request that your buried facilities be located and marked. Make sure you plan ahead and submit your request at least three full working days before you start your project.

Step 2

Wait for the locate to be completed. Within three full working days, the utility owners or their authorized locator will contact you to arrange a time to meet and discuss your dig area, or they will locate and mark the buried lines on your jobsite when they are in the area. They will provide you with documentation explaining the markings and how to proceed safely. Locate documentation must be kept on site during your excavation.

Step 3

Identify any customer-owned utility lines. Customer-owned lines, such as water and sewer service lines, sprinkler systems and any lines connecting buildings on a property, are not registered with ClickBeforeYouDigMB.com

The utility owners do not know the location of these lines. It is your responsibility to contact a private locator to mark any customer-owned utilities in the dig area.

 

 

Step 4

Dig with care. Locate markings identify the approximate location of buried utilities. If you’re digging within one metre on either side of the markings (five metres from high pressure pipelines), carefully expose the line with hand tools to determine its exact location. If you have questions about digging close to a utility, contact the utility owner directly.