Why is it critical to use marked utility maps during excavation?

Using marked utility maps during excavation is critical primarily to prevent damage to underground services and ensure the safety of workers on the site. Utilities such as gas, water, electricity, and telecommunications often run below ground and can be located at different depths and distances. Marked utility maps provide detailed information about the location and type of these services.

When excavation work is planned, workers must refer to these maps to avoid accidentally striking a utility line, which could lead to dangerous situations such as explosions, flooding, or electrical hazards. Additionally, damaging a utility line can result in service outages and significant financial liability for the contractor or organization conducting the excavation.

By relying on accurate and updated utility maps, excavation teams can safely navigate around these hazards, ensuring that the operation proceeds without incident and adheres to safety regulations and best practices.