In case an excavation or demolition causes damages, or there is reason to suspect that it has caused damages to an underground structure or installation, the excavator or wrecker shall immediately contact the operator and the Excavation and Demolition Coordination Center to report the damages.
If the excavator or wrecker is not sure of who the operator is, it shall thus be informed to the Center, which shall immediately inform all operators who have underground structures or installations in or near the area in which the damages occurred.
Only the operator or the person authorized by the latter may carry out the repair works.
In case of damages to the underground structure or installation, the excavator or wrecker, after a reasonable time has elapsed after the notification to the Center, may proceed with the work and secure the area where the damages occurred with the necessary protections and measures until the operator repairs the damages or they agree on a work schedule for said repairs.
When damages to an underground structure or installation jeopardize life, health or property due to the presence of flammable material, or material which is hazardous by nature, the excavator or wrecker shall keep all possible sources of ignition away from the area in which the damages occurred and take all necessary measures for the protection of the citizenry.
History —Sept. 11, 1998, No. 267, § 10, eff. 30 days after Sept. 11, 1998.