Utilities can pose a huge concern on a construction site. Utilities like overhead and underground powerlines, underground water and sewer pipes, gas lines, and more can all pose both a danger and an obstacle on a construction site. While the potential for harm is the greatest concern, interrupting a utility by accidentally damaging its infrastructure is undesirable as well. With more than 30 years in the  construction industry, offering services like site clearing, demo, excavation and grading, underground utilities, concrete, and asphalt paving, we know the importance of protecting utilities on a construction site. See our top tips for ensuring the safety of everyone on our worksites and protecting the soundness of existing utilities on-site.

Tips to On-Site  Protect Utilities 

  1. Locate Your Utilities Often: Locate utilities at the beginning of every job start-up, at least once a month, and after any major storm events. 
  2. Post Signage. You should have signage posted for overhead hazard and underground utilities, and you should ensure your signage includes emergency phone numbers.
  3. Use Caution Tape: Caution tape should be used around fire hydrants and backflow preventers, draped over overhead lines, and wound around anything that may be in danger of being hit. Place Cones: Cones should be placed on top of manholes, on top of water meters or valve covers, and on top of ground boxes. Similarly, open holes should be surrounded with cones and rails. 
  4. Utilize Orange Fencing: Orange fencing should be placed around trenches and lift stations.   
  5. Set Up Barricades and Railings: Barricades or barriers should be set up to prevent equipment from getting close to utilities. 
  6. Spotters: Spotters must be used when digging near any underground utilities and when equipment is operating within 20 feet of overhead hazards. 
  7. Reporting: Employees are encouraged to report anything they see that is not protected in some way; this may be the most effective way to prevent utility damage! Everyone—Dump Truck Drivers, Project Managers, Superintendents, Foremen, Workers, Equipment Operators, and even Visitors—can  all help prevent a utility strike by speaking up about something they notice!

We have been serving Central Florida since 1994 in the asphalt and concrete paving industry, and we take safety seriously! We complete projects for residential, commercial, and municipal clients. Contact us by calling (863) 299-2262, or use our contact form online. How can we help you with your next project?