SafetyQuestion 326 of 360
Before a plumbing contractor begins excavating for a new sewer lateral, California law requires a step to avoid striking buried utilities. What must the contractor do?
a.Contact the regional one-call center (DigAlert/USA North, dial 811) and wait for utilities to be marked
b.Dig quickly at night when there is less traffic
c.Rely on the homeowner's memory of where lines run
d.Only worry about gas lines, not water or electric
Explanation
California Government Code §4216 (the 'Dig Alert' law) requires an excavator to notify the regional notification center (call 811) at least two working days before digging so utility operators can mark their underground facilities. Striking a gas, electric, or fiber line can be deadly and costly. Hand-digging (potholing) is required near marked lines to expose them safely.
Law Reference: California Government Code §4216Practice all 360 questions free — no signup required.
Related questions on this topic
- A crew chooses to slope the walls of a trench instead of shoring it. The soil has been classified as Type C (the least stable, such as loose sand or wet soil). What is the maximum allowable slope for Type C soil?
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- A trench that was safe yesterday saw heavy overnight rain. How often does Cal/OSHA require a competent person to inspect an excavation where workers will be exposed?
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- A plumber must enter a municipal sewer manhole to clear a blockage. Under Cal/OSHA §5157, why is this classified as a permit-required confined space?
- Before entering a sewer vault, a plumber lowers a multi-gas meter to test the atmosphere. In what order must the atmosphere be tested?
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