Damage Prevention:
The Importance of Visual Scans Before Digging

Protecting Utilities and Preventing Excavation Incidents Through Vigilant Observation

When it comes to excavation and digging projects, one of the most crucial steps contractors can take to prevent accidents and service interruptions is to perform comprehensive visual scans of the dig area. Despite advancements in technology and the availability of sophisticated utility locating tools, the human eye remains a vital asset in the first line of defense against damaging buried infrastructure. This article focuses on the importance of visual scans before digging, provides examples of what to look for, and offers practical suggestions for contractors to safeguard utilities and enhance jobsite safety.

Why Visual Scans Matter

Before breaking ground on any excavation project, a thorough visual inspection of the area is essential. Visual scans can reveal evidence of underground utilities, previous excavation activity, and potential hazards that automated locators might miss. Identifying these signs early can prevent costly damages, service outages, regulatory fines, and, most importantly, injuries or loss of life.

The Cost of Utility Strikes

Each year, utility strikes result in millions of dollars in damages, project delays, and reputational harm. More seriously, they pose significant risks to workers and the public. Many of these incidents are preventable with diligent site assessment, beginning with a careful visual scan. The few minutes spent observing a site can save hours, finances, and lives.

Key Elements of a Visual Scan

So, what exactly should contractors look for during a visual scan? Here are some of the most important signs:

  • Road Scars: Faint or pronounced scars in pavement, asphalt, or concrete may indicate previous trenching or boring. These scars often run parallel to known utility corridors. Their presence can signal the location of buried infrastructure such as water, gas, telecommunications, or electric lines.

  • Utility Markers: Permanent or semi-permanent markers, such as small posts, signs, or above-ground tags, often indicate the presence and alignment of underground utilities. These markers can be color-coded to correspond with specific utility types (e.g., red for electric, yellow for gas, blue for water).

  • Premarkings: Sometimes, contractors or utility locators pre-mark the proposed excavation area using paint, flags, or stakes. These premarkings help define the boundaries of the work and highlight areas of concern or interest. Always respect these markings and verify their meanings if uncertain.

  • Utility Markings: These are the color-coded paint marks, flags, or stakes applied by utility locating services, indicating the path and type of buried utilities. Recognizing and understanding the American Public Works Association (APWA) color code system is crucial for everyone on the site.

Additional Visual Cues

Beyond the commonly known signs, contractors should also be attentive to:

  • Changes in vegetation, such as unusually lush or sparse growth, which can signal leaks or previous repairs.

  • Manhole covers, valve boxes, and handholes, which often reveal the presence of larger utility lines just below the surface.

  • Sunken or disturbed ground, indicating past excavations or potential subsidence over utility trenches.

  • Unusual objects or debris, such as exposed conduit or cable, which may have surfaced due to erosion or prior work.

Suggestions for Contractors: Conducting Effective Visual Scans

A visual scan is more than a quick glance at the work area—it is a methodical process that should be integrated into all excavation prep routines. Here are practical suggestions for contractors:

  • Drive the Area: Begin by slowly driving around the perimeter of the jobsite. This broader perspective can reveal utility markers, access points, and larger road scars that might not be visible on foot. Take note of significant features and document them as part of your site assessment.

  • Walk the Area: A walking inspection is indispensable. Walk the entire dig area, paying close attention to the ground surface, curb lines, sidewalks, and adjoining spaces. Use flags or cones to mark areas of concern. Walking allows you to spot subtle signs, such as faint paint marks or shallow depressions, that could otherwise go unnoticed.

  • Document Everything: Take clear notes and photographs of all visual indicators found during your scans. This documentation not only guides your crew but also provides a valuable record should questions arise later in the project.

  • Verify Markings: If you encounter premarkings or utility marks that are unclear or seem outdated, contact the appropriate utility companies or locating service to verify their meaning and accuracy before proceeding.

  • Review One Call Tickets: Always cross-reference your visual observations with the information provided by the local One Call center or utility locators. Discrepancies should be resolved before any digging begins.

  • Educate Your Crew: Make sure all team members are trained to recognize visual indicators and know the importance of reporting anything unusual. Consider regular briefings on APWA color codes and local marking standards.

Best Practices for Integrating Visual Scans

  • Include visual scans in your pre-job safety meetings and checklists.

  • Assign responsibility for site scanning to a competent person on your crew.

  • Keep updated reference guides for APWA color codes and regional utility markings accessible to all workers.

  • Follow up on any uncertainties with the utility owner or locator before proceeding.

  • Combine visual scans with electronic locating methods for the most comprehensive safety approach.

Case Study: Visual Scans in Action

Consider a project in which a contractor noticed several faint blue paint marks and a slightly depressed line in the grass adjacent to the roadway. Although these signs were easy to overlook, the contractor paused to investigate further. After verifying with the utility locator, it was confirmed that a major water main ran directly below that line—preventing a potentially disastrous strike had digging commenced without this visual confirmation. It’s a powerful reminder that vigilance pays dividends.

Conclusion

Performing visual scans before digging is a fundamental aspect of damage prevention. By systematically driving and walking potential dig areas, observing for road scars, utility markers, premarkings, and utility markings, contractors greatly reduce the risk of striking underground utilities. These efforts not only safeguard vital infrastructure and public safety but also protect companies from unnecessary costs and project delays.

Remember: A few extra minutes spent on a thorough visual scan can prevent a lifetime of consequences. Make visual inspections a cornerstone of your excavation safety practices and champion a culture of vigilance in every project.

Stay safe, stay observant, and keep digging responsibly!

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Learn more about United Ally Utility Solutions and their underground utility damage prevention and investigation services in Ohio.

This article was written by:
Steven Hill, Owner/Operator, United Ally Utility Solutions
stevenhill@unitedallyutilitysolutions.com
unitedallyutilitysolutions.com

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