How close can you legally dig to a marked utility?

The legal requirements for digging near marked utilities prioritize safety and the prevention of damage to the utility lines. When the answer states that you can dig "as close as possible, hand dig it within 18 inches of any utility," it aligns with standard practices for excavating near underground utilities. The essence of this procedure is that when you're digging within 18 inches of a marked utility, you must use a hand tool to ensure greater control and minimize the risk of accidentally damaging the utility line.

This approach allows for safer excavation practices while respecting the need to protect public resources and infrastructure. Hand digging within this proximity ensures that workers can be more cautious and aware of the surroundings, which is crucial in preventing accidents or disruptions in service.

While it's true that equipment and machinery can be utilized for digging, the regulations specifically delineate safe distances based on the tools being used, with stricter requirements for hand-digging. This ensures the safety of both the workers and the operational integrity of the utility lines.