What should an excavator do if they find an unmarked utility?

• A. Continue working cautiously
• B. Stop work immediately and contact the utility company
• C. Mark the utility with personal markers
• D. Ignore and proceed with planned excavation

Answer: (B)

When an excavator encounters an unmarked utility, the proper action is to stop work immediately and contact the utility company. This is critical for several reasons.

First, unmarked utilities can pose serious safety hazards, including the risk of electric shock, gas leaks, or other dangerous situations. Stopping work ensures that no one is put in jeopardy while assessing the situation. Secondly, contacting the utility company allows for professionals to come and inspect the utility line, ensuring that it is properly identified and handled according to safety regulations. This approach prevents potential damage to the utility infrastructure, which could lead to service disruptions or costly repairs.

Continuing to work cautiously may seem like a reasonable option; however, without knowing the specific details of the utility and its location, it's risky. Marking the utility with personal markers could lead to misinformation and does not have the authority of official utility identification. Ignoring the utility and proceeding with planned excavation could result in a dangerous or costly accident, which makes it imperative to take appropriate action by stopping work and notifying the proper authorities.