Underground Utility Hit Procedures
Take Immediate Action
- STOP all operations and protect people
- EVACUATE: If possibility of explosion or presence of smoke/fire
- PROTECT PROPERTY & SCENE if it doesn't present a hazard to you and others
- CONTACT Fire Department if Fire, Smoke, or Fuel spilled in area
- If INJURIES, call 911 (administer First Aid)
- STAY on the scene -- have others get assistance
- PROTECT and secure the area to prevent additional damage
Report Utility Hit
- Immediately report to your supervisor, customer, fleet, and safety
- DO NOT MAKE ANY STATEMENTS ADMITTING FAULT
- DO NOT ARGUE WITH ANYONE AT THE SCENE
- Witnesses: Get names, addresses, phone numbers of anyone in the area
- Get names of all local agencies assisting in emergency response (badge numbers, business phones, cell phones)
- ONLY give statements to Police/Fire Department
- ONLY sign Police/Fire Department official reports
Mark Utility Line Damage
- Show locations of all relevant pipes, wires, conduit locations marked by Locate Service
- Photograph from multiple angles
- Sketch the utilities of the job site, including the damaged line, pipe, wire, conduit
- Complete the Utility Hit form
Photograph Entire Accident Scene from Every Angle
Take multiple, good-quality photographs of the entire accident scene to capture important details such as:
-
- The markings approaching and leaving the damaged utility
- The location of equipment
- The location of buildings and other utilities
- Close-ups of the damaged utility