Ground Disturbance

Introduction

Striking any line while excavating, digging, grading, driving stakes, or doing other ground disturbance activities near underground utilities can harm workers, the public, and the environment. These incidents can occur immediately, or months or years later if damage is not reported or repaired.

Resources:

Common Ground Alliance Best Practices

Damage Information Reporting Tool (DIRT)

Damage Information Reporting Tool (DIRT) - Annual Report 2017

Damage Information Reporting Tool (DIRT) - Annual Report 2016

OSHA Trenching and Excavation Safety

ASCE 38-02 - Standard Guideline for the Collection and Depiction of Existing Subsurface Utility Data