What type of hazards should one be aware of when digging in an area marked by the One Call System?

Being aware of unmarked utilities is crucial when digging in an area marked by the One Call System. This system is designed to prevent accidents and damage by providing information about the location of existing underground utilities such as water lines, gas lines, electrical conduits, and telecommunications infrastructure. Even though the One Call System aims to identify marked utilities, there is still a risk that some utilities may not be accurately marked or might be missed entirely.

This awareness is important because striking an unmarked utility can lead to service disruptions, safety hazards, or even serious accidents, which may result in injury or property damage. Operators are responsible for ensuring they are able to work safely and effectively, meaning a thorough assessment of both marked and potential unmarked utilities is essential.

While natural hazards, surface-level indicators, and unknown land ownership are important considerations in their own right, they do not address the specific risks associated with underground utilities in the context of the One Call System. Understanding and prioritizing the hazards related to unmarked utilities directly ties into maintaining safety standards and adhering to best practices for excavation work.