During trenching operations, you encounter a buried fibre optic communication cable that was not previously marked on the locate request. What is the correct procedure?

Question: During trenching operations, you encounter a buried fibre optic communication cable that was not previously marked on the locate request. What is the correct procedure?

Answer options:

• Carefully continue digging around it, as it poses no electrical hazard.
• Attempt to move the cable to a safer location using the excavator bucket. ✅ Stop work immediately, notify your supervisor, and contact the one-call centre again.
• Cut through the cable if it obstructs the trench path, as it's typically low voltage.

Correct answer: Stop work immediately, notify your supervisor, and contact the one-call centre again.

Explanation: If an unmarked utility is encountered, work must stop immediately. Your supervisor must be notified, and the one-call centre contacted again to get proper identification and instruction from the utility owner. Damaging communication cables can cause widespread service disruption and lead to significant fines.