There is a high chance that few meters below us, there are public utility pipes or wires which run underground from us. These pipes/cables supply amenities like electricity, gas, water, sewage, etc. and they mostly run around the country.
It is never safe to assume before you dig, as utility lines can be located even closer to the surface than you think. Whether it's a fence or a cable line, swimming pool, dredging, and others, there is always a danger when you dig the ground.
Why you should Contact a Utility locating service before you dig
We cannot stress the need to "call before you dig" enough. In 2019, for example, the Utilities Transport Commission (UTC) published a report that there were over 1,100 accidents associated with damaging underground utilities during excavation. And in 2018, over $200,000 in penalties were issued to defaulters. While these figures are alarming, there are other reasons you should contact utility locators:
• To prevent the risk of loss of lives and properties
There are numerous reports of accidents/disasters that were a result of hitting an underground utility while digging. Utility lines like gas pipes, electric cable lines, chemical lines, etc. are very catastrophic when they are hit. Most utility lines are underground because of their volatile and destructive nature in the event of an accident.
• They are more efficient and accurate compared to utility maps
Utility locating service uses ultra-modern tools and high-tech equipment, like electromagnetic radars, GPS sensors, etc. to locate these underground utilities. This modern equipment has high accuracies and will not only detect a utility line but will also tell the material it is made of.
• Saves you a lot of cost in damages
If you destroy a utility line out of negligence (not consulting with a utility locator), the regulating body will slam you with heavy penalties, plus further sanctions. It will affect the budget of your project, and you will find yourself incurring avoidable costs.
• You are not liable to damages while digging
Any work injury, destruction to other properties during the digging operation won't be your fault, but as a result of the digging/utility locating company. By engaging a locating company, you will not be liable for any damages during the project.
• Saves you and your local community from discomfort
If you destroy a gas line, or a water line, or any other line that supplies basic amenities to your community, who suffers it more, the government or the community? Also, destroying such lines will not make you popular among the people, and they will loathe you for the discomfort of cutting their supply lines.
Conclusions
It is always more cost-effective to engage the service of a utility locating company; for example, a man who accidentally strikes a gas utility pipe while digging for a swimming pool in his property. The resulting catastrophe will place people at risk and injure a lot more. How does one ever replace this kind of loss?
So, before you dig, consult with a utility locating service.
Comments
Post a Comment