---
kind: "section"
citation: "49 C.F.R. § 196.103"
title: "49"
number: "196.103"
heading: "What must an excavator do to protect underground pipelines from excavation-related damage?"
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/49/196.103"
---

# §196.103. What must an excavator do to protect underground pipelines from excavation-related damage?


Prior to and during excavation activity, the excavator must:

- (a) Use an available one-call system before excavating to notify operators of underground pipeline facilities of the timing and location of the intended excavation;
- (b) If underground pipelines exist in the area, wait for the pipeline operator to arrive at the excavation site and establish and mark the location of its underground pipeline facilities before excavating;
- (c) Excavate with proper regard for the marked location of pipelines an operator has established by taking all practicable steps to prevent excavation damage to the pipeline;
- (d) Make additional use of one-call as necessary to obtain locating and marking before excavating to ensure that underground pipelines are not damaged by excavation.

## Notes

### Authority

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 60101 et seq.; and 49 CFR 1.97.

### Source

Source: 80 FR 43866, July 23, 2015, unless otherwise noted.