May 15, 2011
Private backyard locates are necessary
By Terry Murphy CLP
Two recent incidents resulted in two deaths that could have been prevented. Life is a learning experience, and these two situations may be good lessons for the landscape industry.
Both cases involved utility lines between the street and residences. When you call Ontario One Call for locates, the locate markings are from the street into the house. Both of these accidents and deaths resulted from private work on private property that nobody asked about, nor determined if locates were required.
Many residences have yards with private services to barbecues, swimming pool heaters, change rooms or other items or structures that may have gas or electric services. Contractors have installed these private service lines in good faith and have completed their work as required. The only problem is that the landscaper or excavator may not know that these services exist. You need to make it your business to know.
These two cases demonstrate that it is imperative that the landscaper or excavator ask the home owner if there are any private services on the property. If the owner has taken over the property in a resale, there may not be any records available. The person or company that excavates has the responsibility for making sure that there are no underground services. Therefore, if the owner doesn’t know, then the contractor should request that the owner obtain locates to protect everyone involved.
If you see a swimming pool, change room structure, or backyard barbecue, then you can probably assume that there may be utility service running to each. To protect yourself, get the owner to obtain locates before you dig. You, as the excavator or construction firm, will be held responsible and accountable.
Aecon Construction Group (an experienced company) was fined $225,000 in one case and a Niagara Falls contractor was fined $180,000 in the other. Both were private yard/private property accidents involving propane gas utility lines. Both were highlighted on the Ministry of Labour websites. Both involved deaths. Both could have been prevented if private yard locates had been requested.
Make sure all your personnel know about these potentially dangerous situations and ask the home owner if there are any private utility services in his backyard, before you start any construction projects. This is another great subject to discuss in your next safety meeting or tailgate session.
Please send your comments, suggestions and ideas to tvmurphy@ca.inter.net.
Two recent incidents resulted in two deaths that could have been prevented. Life is a learning experience, and these two situations may be good lessons for the landscape industry.Both cases involved utility lines between the street and residences. When you call Ontario One Call for locates, the locate markings are from the street into the house. Both of these accidents and deaths resulted from private work on private property that nobody asked about, nor determined if locates were required.
Many residences have yards with private services to barbecues, swimming pool heaters, change rooms or other items or structures that may have gas or electric services. Contractors have installed these private service lines in good faith and have completed their work as required. The only problem is that the landscaper or excavator may not know that these services exist. You need to make it your business to know.
These two cases demonstrate that it is imperative that the landscaper or excavator ask the home owner if there are any private services on the property. If the owner has taken over the property in a resale, there may not be any records available. The person or company that excavates has the responsibility for making sure that there are no underground services. Therefore, if the owner doesn’t know, then the contractor should request that the owner obtain locates to protect everyone involved.
If you see a swimming pool, change room structure, or backyard barbecue, then you can probably assume that there may be utility service running to each. To protect yourself, get the owner to obtain locates before you dig. You, as the excavator or construction firm, will be held responsible and accountable.
Aecon Construction Group (an experienced company) was fined $225,000 in one case and a Niagara Falls contractor was fined $180,000 in the other. Both were private yard/private property accidents involving propane gas utility lines. Both were highlighted on the Ministry of Labour websites. Both involved deaths. Both could have been prevented if private yard locates had been requested.
Make sure all your personnel know about these potentially dangerous situations and ask the home owner if there are any private utility services in his backyard, before you start any construction projects. This is another great subject to discuss in your next safety meeting or tailgate session.
Please send your comments, suggestions and ideas to tvmurphy@ca.inter.net.