{"operation":"document","citation":"49 CFR 196.103","title":"What must an excavator do to protect underground pipelines from excavation-related damage?","source_type":"regulation","agency":"Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration","status":"current","official":true,"published_on":null,"effective_on":"2026-08-18","summary":"Prior to and during excavation activity, the excavator must:\n\n(a) Use an available one-call system before excavating to notify operators of underground pipeline facilities of the timing and location of the intended excavation;\n\n(b) If underground pipelines exist in the area, wait for the pipeline op","machine_formats":{"json":"https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/49-cfr-196-103.json","markdown":"https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/49-cfr-196-103.md"},"app_url":"https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/49-cfr-196-103","source_url":"https://www.ecfr.gov/on/2026-08-18/title-49/section-196.103","body":"Prior to and during excavation activity, the excavator must:\n\n(a) Use an available one-call system before excavating to notify operators of underground pipeline facilities of the timing and location of the intended excavation;\n\n(b) If underground pipelines exist in the area, wait for the pipeline operator to arrive at the excavation site and establish and mark the location of its underground pipeline facilities before excavating;\n\n(c) Excavate with proper regard for the marked location of pipelines an operator has established by taking all practicable steps to prevent excavation damage to the pipeline;\n\n(d) Make additional use of one-call as necessary to obtain locating and marking before excavating to ensure that underground pipelines are not damaged by excavation.","truncated":false,"body_characters":776}