For safety during excavation, what should always be done about unmarked utilities?

When dealing with excavation work, it is critical to ensure safety by properly identifying and handling unmarked utilities. The correct action is to contact notification centers for marking. This process involves requesting utility companies to locate and mark their underground lines before any digging begins.

This precaution is essential for several reasons. First, unmarked utilities can pose significant hazards, including the risk of accidental strikes that could lead to injury, service interruption, or even catastrophic incidents such as explosions or fires. By contacting notification centers, workers can receive precise information on the location of buried utilities, which helps plan the excavation safely and effectively.

Additionally, many jurisdictions have legal requirements mandating this step as part of the excavation process. Not adhering to these protocols can result in penalties, project delays, and increased liability for any accidents that occur.

The other options either ignore the risks associated with unmarked utilities or suggest inadequate measures. Therefore, the most responsible and safe approach is to proactively reach out to notification centers to ensure that all underground utilities are properly marked before any excavation work begins.