1926.651(b)(2): Locating Utilities Before Digging
Employers must contact utility companies or owners within established or customary local response times, tell them about the work, and ask them to locate underground installations before excavation starts. If they cannot respond within 24 hours (unless state or local law sets a longer time) or cannot find the exact location, the employer may proceed with caution using detection equipment or other acceptable means.
Key takeaways
- 1926.651(b)(2) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart P).
- OSHA cited it 14 times in the last 3 years, in 14 inspections, with $87,238 in current penalties.
- Most citations: MD (4), AK (2), TX (2).
- Related part: 1926.651(b) Underground installations (125 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.651(b)(2) is one requirement inside 1926.651 Specific excavation requirements, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart P). The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(2) Utility companies or owners shall be contacted within established or customary local response times, advised of the proposed work, and asked to establish the location of the utility underground installations prior to the start of actual excavation. When utility companies or owners cannot respond to a request to locate underground utility installations within 24 hours (unless a longer period is required by state or local law), or cannot establish the exact location of these installations, the employer may proceed, provided the employer does so with caution, and provided detection equipment or other acceptable means to locate utility installations are used. 14 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.651.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2024 | 6 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Top states: MD (4), AK (2), TX (2), CO (1), ME (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| NELSON PROPERTY SERVICES, INC | BRUNSWICK, ME | $25,469 |
| GRANITE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY | ANCHORAGE, AK | $16,131 |
| PLEASANT VIEW GARDENS INC. | PEMBROKE, NH | $11,292 |
| CORNERSTONE GENERAL CONTRACTORS, INC. | ANCHORAGE, AK | $9,598 |
| REJ EXCAVATION LLC | HARLINGEN, TX | $6,620 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.651(b)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- OSHA jurisdiction over oil and gas pipelines may be preempted by DOT standards. (2004-05-28)
- Use of hydro-vacuum excavation equipment and other acceptable means to locate underground utility installions. (2003-10-23)
- Acceptable methods to locate underground utility installations; evaluation of hydro-vacuum excavation. (2003-07-07)
- Clarification of utility "owner" as used in the Safety and Health Standards for Excavations, Underground Installations. (2001-09-21)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.651(b) Underground installations 125 citations
- 1926.651(b)(4) 49 citations
- 1926.651(b)(1) 32 citations
- 1926.651(b)(3) 30 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
Who must be contacted before digging?
Utility companies or owners, within established or customary local response times.
What if the utility does not respond in 24 hours?
The employer may proceed with caution, using detection equipment or other acceptable means to locate utilities.
Can state law change the 24 hours?
Yes. A longer period may be required by state or local law.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.651 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-20
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.