Tolerance ZonesDig Safely Home< BackNext >

 

The tolerance zone protects buried utilities.
The tolerance zone is a safety area that spans 18 inches on each side of the pipe plus half the diameter of the pipe measured from the edge of the pipe. This zone provides a margin of error in case the locator marks are slightly off. It also provides a buffer zone to prevent damage resulting from nearby excavation. If you must dig in this zone, hand dig only using non-mechanized tools or equipment, soft digging, or vacuum excavation.

The tolerance zone also protects you.
If you do not respect the tolerance zone, you risk contacting buried utilities. You also risk damaging them indirectly by removing supporting soil, which could cause the utility to bend or break. You could be injured or killed, and your company could be liable for any damages that occur.

 

To avoid damaging buried utilities, do not
power dig within the tolerance zone. Use
non-mechanized tools or equipment, soft
digging, or vacuum excavation.