Page 77 - CCGA Best Practices Version English

6-0 Compliance Best Practices

6-1: Underground Infrastructure Owner Damage
Prevention Program

Practice Statement: Underground facility owners should develop,
implement and maintain a damage prevention program for the purpose of
anticipating and preventing damage to its underground infrastructure.

Practice Description: Damage prevention programs are intended to reduce
the preventable damage to underground infrastructure. Although the content
of damage prevention programs may vary according to the facilities and
operations of individual owners, the damage prevention program should
include elements pertaining to:
• Risk identification and assessment;
• Public awareness;

• Measurement of effectiveness; and
• Continuous improvement.

6-2: Public Education

Practice Statement: Public education programs are used to promote
compliance.
Practice Description: The CCGA is charged to promote comprehensive
and appropriate programs to educate all stakeholders about the existence
and content of the damage prevention practices, laws and regulations. This
education will be documented and published. This is not meant to discourage
individual stakeholders from providing educational programs.

6-3: Enforcement Education

Practice Statement: Mandatory education is considered as an alternative
or supplement to penalties for offenders of the damage prevention laws and
regulations.
Practice Description: Once a violation of the damage prevention best
practices, laws or regulations has occurred, mandatory education is an
effective alternative. Mandatory education as an enforcement tool promotes
compliance with damage prevention best practices.

Canadian Common Ground Alliance
Best Practices Version 3.0 – October 2018
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