Excavation and trenching - North Carolina

North Carolina operates an OSHA-approved State Plan covering most private sector workers and all state and local government workers. The North Carolina Occupational Safety and Health (NC OSH) Division is part of the North Carolina Department of Labor.

Underground facilities

NC OSH has established excavation safety rules to protect underground facilities used for producing, storing, conveying, transmitting, or distributing communication, electricity, gas, petroleum, petroleum products, hazardous liquids, water, steam, or sewage. These rules contain requirements for excavator notice to facility operators and the marking of facilities by operators. The rules are contained in the Underground Utility Safety and Damage Prevention Act found in N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 87-115 through 87-130.

Notification required when damage is done

The excavator performing an excavation or demolition that results in any damage to a facility must immediately notify the Notification Center and the facility operator, if known, of the location and nature of the damage. The excavator must allow the operator a reasonable time to accomplish necessary repairs before completing the excavation or demolition in the immediate area of the facility. The excavator must delay any backfilling in the immediate area of the damaged facility until authorized by the operator. The operator or qualified personnel authorized by the operator must repair any damage to the facility.

Discharge of electricity or escape of toxins

An excavator who is responsible for an excavation or demolition where any damage to a facility results in the discharge of electricity or escape of any flammable, toxic, or corrosive gas or liquid, or that endangers life, health, or property must immediately notify emergency responders, including 911 services, the Notification Center, and the facility operator. The excavator must take reasonable measures to protect himself or herself, other persons in immediate danger, members of the public, property, and the environment until the operator or emergency responders arrive and complete an assessment of the situation.