Underground Safety Board Proposes New Potholing Standards for Public Review

The recent Underground Safety Board meeting highlighted significant advancements in safety standards for underground excavation, a topic of vital importance for California's infrastructure and public safety. During the meeting held on July 15, 2025, board members discussed proposed standards aimed at improving the safety and reliability of potholing practices, which are essential for identifying underground utilities before excavation.

The board's staff presented a draft of new standards that emerged from extensive public feedback collected over the past few years. These standards address the challenges faced by excavators who often cannot depend solely on existing maps or markings to locate underground utilities. Instead, the proposed guidelines emphasize the necessity for excavators to conduct thorough site assessments using all available information to determine the safest methods for potholing.

Key elements of the proposed standards include the identification of potholing locations, confirmation of utility markings through operator responses, and the documentation of findings. The standards also outline procedures for situations where potholing cannot be performed, ensuring that excavators have clear protocols to follow in various scenarios.

The board plans to publish these draft standards for public review and comment, allowing stakeholders to provide input before finalizing the guidelines. This step is crucial as it not only enhances safety measures but also fosters community engagement in the decision-making process.

In addition to the potholing standards, the meeting featured discussions on addressing misconceptions about potholing practices, with plans to develop a FAQ to clarify common concerns raised in recent surveys.

As California continues to prioritize underground safety, these proposed standards represent a proactive approach to protecting both workers and the public from potential hazards associated with underground excavation. The board's commitment to refining these practices reflects a broader goal of ensuring safe and efficient infrastructure development throughout the state.