CSLB Law & Business ExamSafetyHard
A contractor plans to begin excavation for a new sewer line connection on a residential property. Before starting the dig, what is the contractor required to do regarding underground utilities?
- ADig a small test hole and proceed if no utilities are visually found
- BRely on the property owner's verbal assurance that no utilities are present
- CNotify the CSLB in writing before any excavation begins
- DContact the regional utility notification center (such as USA North 811) at least two working days before digging
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Contact the regional utility notification center (such as USA North 811) at least two working days before digging
California law requires excavators to contact the regional underground service alert center (such as USA North 811) at least two working days before excavation to have underground utilities located and marked, reducing the risk of striking gas, electrical, or other utility lines.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Test holes do not reliably reveal all buried utilities and don't meet legal requirements.
- B. Verbal assurances are not a substitute for professional utility locating.
- C. The CSLB does not handle underground utility notifications; that's the utility notification center's role.
Underground Service Alert (USA)
California law requires contractors to notify a regional utility notification center like USA North 811 at least two working days before excavation to have utilities marked.
- Prevents accidental strikes on gas, electric, water, and other lines
- Applies to nearly all excavation, including trenching
- Failure to call before digging can result in fines and liability for damages
Memory trick: Call before you fall into a gas line