Page 59 - CCGA Best Practices Version English

It is preferable for each excavator to obtain their own individual locate before
excavating to ensure that the specific areas have been appropriately marked
by any affected owner. However, where a single locate is relied upon by
multiple users on the same project, it is the responsibility of the excavator to
ensure that the locate is appropriate for the intended excavation, giving due
consideration to the limits of the located area, depth of excavation, ticket life,
and the existence of any facilities installed since the locate was performed.
4-8: Notification Service Access (24x7)

Practice Statement: The excavator has access to the notification service
24 hours per day, 7 days a week (24x7).

Practice Description: Utilities service the public needs 24x7 and thus
should be protected the same amount of time. Certain conditions exist
which require excavators to work during off-hours (city/road congestion, off
peak utility service hours). While most excavators are on the job site during
regular work hours, the ability to access (phone, internet, or other methods)
in future work locations after five p.m. allows more flexibility to schedule
work, not to mention getting around peak hours of locate requests at the
notification service.

4-9: Positive Response

Practice Statement: The excavator is notified in writing by the
underground owner of the tolerance zone of the underground facility by
marking, flagging, or other acceptable methods at the work site shown on a
locate sheet provided to the excavator, or is notified verbally and in writing,
if possible, that an “all clear” situation exists. This takes place within three
working days of the notification to the owner of the locate request or a
mutually agreed upon date between the locator and the excavator.
Practice Description: If the notification service or a owner determines
that the excavation or demolition is not near any of its existing underground
facilities, it notifies the excavator that no conflict exists and that the
excavation or demolition area is “clear.” This notification from the Notification
service or the owner will include a written “all clear” response. If an
excavator has knowledge of the existence of an underground facility and has
received an “all clear,” response, the excavator should notify the notification
service and the owner if known, that a conflict does indeed exist. The
notification service and the owner should make marking these facilities a
priority before excavation begins.

Positive response is a term used to describe the two types of action to be
taken by a owner after it has received notification of intent to excavate.

Canadian Common Ground Alliance
Best Practices Version 3.0 – October 2018
53