If you encounter an unknown underground utility while trenching, what is the correct immediate action?

If you encounter an unknown underground utility while trenching, what is the correct immediate action?

• A. Move to a different trench and resume digging.
• B. Notify supervisor and continue with caution.
• C. Call emergency services and evacuate.
• D. Stop work, locate the utility, and follow utility company or supervisor instructions.

Answer: (D)

When trenching, the immediate priority is safety. A hidden utility can be dangerous if you continue digging, so the correct action is to stop work right away, prevent others from entering the area, and don’t resume digging until the utility is located and identified. Use the utility locating process (such as requesting a locate service) to find and mark the line, then follow the instructions from the utility company or your supervisor. They will tell you how to proceed—whether the utility can be de-energized, rerouted, or the excavation can continue with proper clearances. This approach reduces the risk of striking a line and causing injury or damage. Moving to another trench, digging with changes in caution, or evacuating to call emergency services are not appropriate responses unless there is an immediate hazard like a gas leak; simply notifying the supervisor and continuing with caution also fails to address locating the unknown utility.

When trenching, the immediate priority is safety. A hidden utility can be dangerous if you continue digging, so the correct action is to stop work right away, prevent others from entering the area, and don’t resume digging until the utility is located and identified. Use the utility locating process (such as requesting a locate service) to find and mark the line, then follow the instructions from the utility company or your supervisor. They will tell you how to proceed—whether the utility can be de-energized, rerouted, or the excavation can continue with proper clearances. This approach reduces the risk of striking a line and causing injury or damage. Moving to another trench, digging with changes in caution, or evacuating to call emergency services are not appropriate responses unless there is an immediate hazard like a gas leak; simply notifying the supervisor and continuing with caution also fails to address locating the unknown utility.