An excavator operator is beginning an excavation near existing structures on a site where utility locates have been marked. The marks indicate a buried communication cable running perpendicular to the planned trench. What is the safe method for approaching the marked utility?

Question: An excavator operator is beginning an excavation near existing structures on a site where utility locates have been marked. The marks indicate a buried communication cable running perpendicular to the planned trench. What is the safe method for approaching the marked utility?

Answer options:

• Excavate with the bucket until within 0.5 metres and then proceed carefully. ✅ Begin mechanical excavation 1 metre away from the mark on either side and hand dig within the 'tolerance zone'.
• Use the excavator to scrape the topsoil gently over the marked utility to expose it.
• Assume the mark is approximate and dig with extra caution until the line is visually identified.

Correct answer: Begin mechanical excavation 1 metre away from the mark on either side and hand dig within the 'tolerance zone'.

Explanation: When working near buried utilities, mechanical excavation must stop a specified distance (often 1 metre in Canada) from the marked utility. The remaining excavation within this 'tolerance zone' must be completed carefully by hand or by using non-destructive methods to prevent damage to the utility. Scraping with a bucket or proceeding with mechanical excavation too close is unsafe.