Detailed Instructions for Excavator Pre-Marking

These are examples of how excavators may choose to mark their area of proposed excavation. The use of white marking products (e.g. paint, flags, or stakes or a combination of these) may be used to identify the excavation site.

Single Point Excavations Markings

Single Point Excavations Markings. Click for larger image.

Delineate in white paint the proposed area of excavation through the use of: a continuous line, dots marking the radius or arcs, dashes marking the four corners of the project or dashes outlining the excavation project. Limit the size of each dash to approximately 15 cm to 30 cm in length and 2 cm in width with interval spacing approximately 1 m to 5 m apart. The maximum separation of excavation marks is to be reduced to a length that can be reasonably seen by the operator's locators when the terrain or excavation site conditions warrant it. Dots of approximately 2 cm diameter are typically used to define arcs or radii and may be placed at closer intervals in lieu of dashes.

Single Stake Marking Center Point of Excavation Site

Single Stake Marking Center Point of Excavation Site. Click for larger image.

When an excavation site is contained within a 5 m maximum radius or less, it can be delineated with a single stake that is positioned at the proposed center of the excavation. If the excavator chooses this type of delineation they must convey that they have delineated the excavation site with a single stake at the center of the excavation and include the radius of the site in the notification to the One-Call Center. This single stake is to be white in color with the following information: excavator's company identifier (name, abbreviations, or initials) and the radius of the excavation site in black letters on the stake or with a notice attached to the stake.

Stakes, Flags or Whiskers Excavation Markers

Single Stake Marking Center Point of Excavation Site. Click for larger image.

Delineate the proposed area of excavation through the use of: stakes, flags or whiskers to mark radius or arcs, the four corners of the project or outlining the excavation project instead of using spray paint.

Limit the interval spacing to approximately 1 m to 5 m. The maximum separation of excavation marks is to be reduced to a length that can be reasonably seen by the operator's locators when the terrain at an excavation site warrants it.

Stakes, flags or whiskers provided to illustrate arcs or radii may be placed at closer intervals in order to define the arc or radius. Stakes, flags or whiskers are white in color with the excavator's company identifier (name, abbreviations, or initials) provided on the stake, flag or whisker.

Trenching, Boring, or Other Continuous Type Excavations Continuous Excavation Marking

Trenching, Boring, or Other Continuous Type Excavations Continuous Excavation Marking. Click for larger image.

Mark in white paint the proposed centerline of planned excavation 15 cm to 30 cm x 2 cm arrows, approximately 1 m to 5 m apart to show direction of excavation. The maximum separation of excavation marks is to be reduced to a length that can be reasonably seen by the operator's locators when the terrain at an excavation site warrants it. Dots may be used for curves and closer interval marking.
For questions concerning pre-marking your excavation site, call us at 204-360-5653 or email Excavator Pre-Marking.