How to Avoid Utility Strikes During Line Locating Projects
- Nate Jones
- Oct 2
- 2 min read
Utility strikes are one of the most dangerous and costly risks in excavation and utility line locating projects. Damaging underground utilities—such as gas, electric, water, or telecom lines—can lead to serious injuries, service disruptions, legal liabilities, and expensive repairs. According to the Common Ground Alliance, utility damages cost over $30 billion annually in the U.S.
Whether you're a seasoned contractor or launching a utility locating business, following best practices is essential to avoid utility strikes and protect your team and clients.
1. Always Call 811 Before You Dig
The first step in any excavation or locating project is to call 811, the national “Call Before You Dig” service. This free service notifies utility companies to mark public underground lines at your job site. However, 811 does not cover private utilities, so you’ll also need to hire a private utility locating service for comprehensive coverage.
2. Verify Utility Locations with Potholing
Even after utilities are marked, it’s critical to verify their exact location and depth using potholing—a non-invasive method that exposes utilities safely. This step helps confirm accuracy and detect any discrepancies in utility maps.
3. Understand and Respect the Tolerance Zone
Each state defines a tolerance zone, typically 18–30 inches on either side of a marked utility line. Within this zone, only soft digging methods like hand digging or hydro excavation should be used. Avoid using pointed tools or heavy machinery that could damage the utility.
4. Use Advanced Locating Technologies
Enhance accuracy with tools like:
Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)
Electromagnetic Locators
GPS Mapping Systems
These technologies help detect non-metallic lines and improve precision, especially in complex or congested areas.
5. Train Your Crew Thoroughly
Improper training is a leading cause of utility strikes. Ensure your team understands:
Locating equipment operation
Safety protocols
Emergency procedures
Local regulations and tolerance zones
Refer to Common Ground Alliance’s Locator Training Guide for industry standards.
6. Plan for Emergencies
Even with precautions, accidents can happen. Have a response plan in place:
Stop work immediately
Evacuate the area if necessary
Call 911 for emergencies
Notify the utility company
Document the incident for insurance and legal purposes
7. Protect Your Business with Insurance
Utility line locating involves high-risk operations. Insurance is essential to cover:
Excavating Insurance Partners provides tailored insurance solutions for utility locating contractors. We help protect your business, employees, and equipment nationwide.
Final Thoughts
Avoiding utility strikes requires a proactive approach—accurate locating, proper training, advanced technology, and comprehensive insurance. By following these best practices, utility locating contractors can ensure safer job sites, protect infrastructure, and maintain client trust. Contact Excavating Insurance Partners today!
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