Buried facilities must be hand exposed, visible, and positively identified before using mechanical excavation equipment. Hand exposing means exposing a buried facility - the location of which has been marked - using only non-powered tools and equipment (for example, a shovel). There are several things to remember when exposing a facility:

The hand expose zone is a distance of one metre either side of the locate marks. Excavation with mechanical equipment must not take place in this zone until the buried facility has been hand exposed and is clearly visible.

Never probe for buried facilities with pointed tools such as pick axes or pointed bars. Use rounded or dull-edged shovels instead. Take caution if using spade-shaped or newer, sharper spade shovels.

Do not use your entire body weight on the shovel when digging. Use a prying (rather than striking) motion to loosen hard dirt. Dig on an angle so that any contact with the facility is a glancing blow instead of a direct hit. Digging from the side helps reduce the chance of damaging the facility.

Begin the hand exposure process at or near the locate marks. Work down and outward into the hand expose zone until the buried facility is found. If you have tried to hand expose a buried facility but cannot find it, you must immediately contact the facility owner and/or secure the services of a qualified locator.

After the buried facilities have been hand exposed and are clearly visible, the excavator may use mechanical excavation equipment (unless specified by the facility owner). Use of a toothless bucket is recommended. Support and protect exposed facilities. Unsupported exposed facilities may sink and cause cracks or other damage.

If a facility is hit or damaged, the owner of the facility must be notified without delay.

Proper hand exposing practices prevent costly damage, service disruptions, and injuries, ensuring all excavation activities meet safety regulations at GamaSafety.

Training Center: 122-2544 Douglas Road, Burnaby BC. V5C 5B4, Canada.

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