1926.651(b)(1): Locate Utilities Before Digging
Before opening an excavation, employers must determine the estimated location of utility installations, such as sewer, telephone, fuel, electric and water lines, or any other underground installations that may reasonably be expected during the work.
Key takeaways
- 1926.651(b)(1) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart P).
- OSHA cited it 32 times in the last 3 years, in 32 inspections, with $61,633 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: OR (14), MD (5), VA (3).
- 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)(1) 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
(1) The estimated location of utility installations, such as sewer, telephone, fuel, electric, water lines, or any other underground installations that reasonably may be expected to be encountered during excavation work, shall be determined prior to opening an excavation. 32 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.651.
Injuries linked to this rule
2 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.651(b)(1).
At 11:30 a.m. on February 28, 2025, Employee #1 and Employee #2 and Coworker #1 and Coworker #2 , were applying CTS Cement Rapid Set Mortar Mix on an exposed fieldstone foundation wall to reinforce the deteriorating wall. The crew was working inside a trench…
Full case list with employer, penalty, filters and download is part of OSHA Data (Purple Belt).
Unlock with Purple BeltWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2024 | 9 |
| 2025 | 13 |
| 2026 | 7 |
Top states: OR (14), MD (5), VA (3), CT (2), IL (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| JDS FIBER CORPORATION | HAMPTON, VA | $7,940 |
| PAUL & SONS CONTRACTORS INC. | BROOKLYN, NY | $6,452 |
| DBS, INC. | VAIL, CO | $5,500 |
| R. BRAMANTE CONSTRUCTION, LLC. | MOORESTOWN, NJ | $4,965 |
| SUMMIT RESTORATION, INC. | STRATHAM, NH | $4,839 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.651(b)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.651(b)(1).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.651(b) Underground installations 125 citations
- 1926.651(b)(4) 49 citations
- 1926.651(b)(3) 30 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 utilities be located?
Prior to opening an excavation.
Which utilities are covered?
Sewer, telephone, fuel, electric, water lines and any other underground installations that may reasonably be expected to be encountered.
Is an exact location required?
The rule requires determining the estimated location.
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 2026-10-19
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.