Page 76 - BCCGA Best Practices Version 3.0

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marking techniques can last only as long as the weather and other variables will
allow. When a mark is no longer visible, but the work around the facility needs
to continue, the ground disturber requests for a remark to ensure the
protection of the facility.
REFERENCE: The existing practices of ground disturbers and facility owners
and operators.
4-17 EXCAVATION OBSERVER
PRACTICE STATEMENT: The ground disturber assigns an observer to assist
the equipment operator during the operation of excavation equipment around
known underground facilities.
PRACTICE DESCRIPTION: An observer is a worker who watches the
excavation activity for the purpose of warning the equipment operator during
excavation around a utility. This practice is to prevent causing damage to the
facility and is a common practice among ground disturbers and large facility
owners/operators.
4-18 EXCAVATION TOLERANCE ZONE
PRACTICE STATEMENT: The ground disturber observes the tolerance zone,
which is the space in which the line or facility is located.
PRACTICE DESCRIPTION: The tolerance zone covers the width of one metre
from the centerline of a located cable or conduit and one metre from either
side of the outside edge of the underground facility on a horizontal plane. The
ground disturber takes special care of this zone, but this practice is not
intended to pre-empt any existing federal or provincial regulations.
REFERENCE: Existing guidelines for excavating within the vicinity of
underground facilities.
4-19 EXCAVATION WITHIN TOLERANCE ZONE
PRACTICE STATEMENT: The ground disturber exercises the necessary care to
protect any underground facility in or near the excavation area when excavation
is to take place within the specified tolerance zone.
Best Practices Version 3.0