What actions should you take when excavating underground tanks and piping?

• A. Call dig safe (811)
• B. Confirm the locations of the customer-owned underground system
• C. Ensure that buried tank or piping will not interfere with pre-installed utilities or systems
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Before you start digging for underground tanks and piping, the main idea is to prevent damage to buried utilities and protect safety by properly coordinating with all underground installations. The first essential step is to call 811 to initiate the locate process. This gets the public utility operators to mark buried lines—gas, electric, water, and others—so you can dig with awareness and avoid striking anything. You should provide accurate site details and wait for the marks, treating any unmarked area as potentially energized or hazardous until confirmed.

Next, you must confirm the locations of any customer-owned underground systems. Private lines aren’t always shown on public maps, so verifying their existence and position helps prevent accidental damage and leaks. This includes communicating with the customer and reviewing any available plans or records.

Finally, ensure that the buried tank or piping will not interfere with pre-installed utilities or systems. Review existing underground installations and planned layouts to maintain safe clearances and avoid conflicts. If a conflict is found, adjust the excavation plan or relocate as needed to protect all utilities and the equipment being installed.

Together, these steps create a safer digging process, minimize the risk of damage, and support proper operation of the propane system and surrounding utilities.