1926.651(b)(3): Finding the Exact Location of Underground Utilities
When excavation work gets close to the estimated location of underground installations, employers must find the exact location of those installations using safe and acceptable means.
Key takeaways
- 1926.651(b)(3) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart P).
- OSHA cited it 30 times in the last 3 years, in 30 inspections, with $111,255 in current penalties.
- Most citations: OR (16), IA (2), NJ (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)(3) 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
(3) When excavation operations approach the estimated location of underground installations, the exact location of the installations shall be determined by safe and acceptable means. 30 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 | 4 |
| 2024 | 9 |
| 2025 | 11 |
| 2026 | 6 |
Top states: OR (16), IA (2), NJ (2), IL (2), PA (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| NELSON PROPERTY SERVICES, INC | BRUNSWICK, ME | $25,469 |
| OKTEX UTILITY CONSTRUCTION INC. | SOCORRO, TX | $9,268 |
| MIDWEST ARBOR CORPORATION | EVANSTON, IL | $7,260 |
| KELLER EXCAVATING L.L.C. | EDWARDSVILLE, IL | $7,260 |
| ANRICH, INC. | NAZARETH, PA | $7,250 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.651(b)(3), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- 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)
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)(2) 14 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
When must the exact location of utilities be found?
When excavation operations approach the estimated location of underground installations.
How must the location be found?
By safe and acceptable means.
Is the estimated location enough to keep digging?
No. As digging approaches the estimated location, the exact location must be determined.
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.