What happens if a waterproofing dig in Ottawa hits a buried line?

Striking a buried line during a waterproofing excavation is a safety emergency first and a legal matter second. If a gas line is hit, leave the area immediately and call emergency services from a safe place. The same applies if you smell gas, see a severed cable, or notice water near any electrical source. Do not re-enter the excavation.

What the law requires before anyone digs

Ontario's Underground Infrastructure Notification System Act, 2012 makes a locate request mandatory before any digging starts. Ontario Dig Authority asks for that request at least 5 business days before the excavation begins. The request is free. On a hired job, the contractor is the excavator under the Act, so requesting the locate is their responsibility, not yours. Ask for written confirmation that the locate was submitted and that all utilities responded before work starts.

Ontario's construction regulation (O. Reg. 213/91) also makes it the contractor's duty to have the services in and near the dig located and marked before excavating.

Where an excavation could affect the stability of a neighbouring building, an engineer specifies the precautions in writing (s.229). That is worth asking about if the dig is close to a shared wall, a garage, or a neighbouring property.

A few things to confirm with any contractor before they break ground:

• Written confirmation that a locate request was submitted to Ontario Dig Authority and that all utility responses were received
• How they will dig near the marked lines
• Their insurance details, in writing
• Who bears the cost if a line is damaged and service is interrupted

Ask your insurer in writing about your own policy as well.

The homeowner is not the excavator on a hired job, but you are still the one living with the disruption if a gas, hydro, water or telecom line is cut. Get the locate confirmation in writing before work starts.

If you want to reach Ottawa waterproofing contractors who work in this area, the request form on this page sends your details to contractors listed in the Ottawa Construction Network directory.