How Can The Hazards Of Buried Services Be Avoided?
Buried services, like electrical cables or plumbing pipes, can be a major hazard if not properly located and properly marked. Not only is there the potential for service disruption, but damage to the utilities could result in costly repairs that would otherwise never need to occur. In addition, buried services pose safety risks due to contact with high-voltage wires or breaks in sewage pipes that can lead to flooding.
With proper precautions, however, it is possible to avoid these hazards and ensure safe excavation each and every time. This blog post will look at how you can identify buried utility lines to avoid any of these pitfalls.
How Can The Hazards Of Buried Services Be Avoided?
Following a few simple steps can help you to avoid any potential hazards associated with buried services:
1. Contact Your Local Utility Line Locator Service
The first step to identifying buried services is to contact your local utility line locator service. This service will use specialized tools, such as ground-penetrating radar and signal-tracing equipment, to detect the presence of underground lines. Once they have done their work, they will provide you with an accurate location of any services that may be present.
2. Investigate Visible Signs of Buried Services
In addition to utilizing a utility line locator service, you can also investigate visible signs of buried services yourself. These may include orange markings on the ground or even above-ground poles that indicate the presence of electrical wiring below. In addition, if you notice any areas of raised or sinking land, this could indicate something buried beneath.
3. Safe Digging Methods
If you must dig in an area where there could be buried services, it is important that you follow proper safe digging procedures. This should include taking safety precautions to avoid contact with live electrical wires or other utility lines. It’s also advisable to use professional equipment such as a trencher or vacuum excavation system to minimize the risk of damaging lines.
4. Using Spades And Shovels Instead Of Excavators
Avoiding heavy machinery such as excavators or backhoes when digging around buried services is best. These machines can easily cause damage to a utility line and lead to costly repairs or even injury. Instead, try using hand tools such as spades and shovels to ensure you don’t disrupt any buried services.
By following these steps, you can ensure your safety and avoid any costly repairs due to damage caused by excavating around buried services. Always make sure you contact a professional utility line locator service before beginning any excavation projects, and remember to use safe digging methods such as hand tools whenever possible. Taking the necessary precautions can help keep you and your property safe from hazardous hazards.
Thank you for taking the time to read about how to avoid the hazards of buried services. Be sure to take all safety precautions when excavating around buried utilities, and if in doubt, contact a professional utility line locator service for assistance. Good luck!
