Utility Strike

Utility strikes are one of the most significant risks in excavation work. According to the Common Ground Alliance's annual DIRT Report, hundreds of thousands of utility damages occur each year in the United States, causing billions of dollars in direct and indirect costs. Damage to gas lines can cause explosions, damage to electrical lines can cause electrocution, and damage to water mains can cause flooding.

The primary causes of utility strikes include failure to call 811 before digging, inaccurate utility locates, failure to use non-destructive excavation within the tolerance zone, and operator error when using mechanical equipment. Hydrovac excavation was developed specifically to address this risk, and its widespread adoption has significantly reduced the rate of excavation damage in areas where it is commonly used.

Despite the safety advantages of hydrovac, utility strikes can still occur during hydrovac operations if water pressure is too high, if the operator is careless, or if unmarked or mislocated utilities are present. Proper training, appropriate pressure settings, and vigilant operation are essential to minimizing utility strike risk even when using hydrovac equipment.