What is the first step before starting any trenching or digging work with a powered machine?

Establishing the location of any and all underground electrical cables is crucial before starting trenching or digging work with a powered machine. This step is essential to prevent accidental contact with utility lines, which can lead to serious injuries or fatalities, as well as significant equipment damage and service disruptions.

Knowing where electrical cables are located allows for safer planning of the excavation site, ensuring that workers can avoid those areas or take proper precautions if work near cables is unavoidable. This proactive identification of hazards is a key component of workplace safety and reflects best practices in construction and electrical work.

While wearing protective gear, notifying nearby workers, and proceeding with caution are all important safety measures, they should only be implemented after confirming the underground layout. Without this knowledge, other safety practices may not adequately prevent the associated risks of hitting buried utilities. Therefore, understanding and mapping the location of underground utilities is the foundational step that dictates the safety of all subsequent actions.