What Depth is a Ground Disturbance?

Ground disturbance is when a dig reaches a depth provincial and federal authorities deem dangerous for buried utilities. Exceeding this depth in many places requires training and alerting the authorities to your actions. Failure to do so could leave you liable for thousands of dollars in fines and damages.

The depth considered a ground disturbance and the training requirements can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specific type of work being performed. Here are some examples of requirements for different North American jurisdictions broken down into Canadian, American, provincial, and federal requirements:

Ground Disturbance Requirements in Canada

Canada’s ground disturbance depths that require training don’t differ too much, but it’s important to note the subtleties. Here are the digging depths in Canada that require training, broken down by province:

Alberta:

• In Alberta, training is required for any activity that involves digging deeper than 30 cm (11.8 inches) into the ground. The training must comply with the Alberta Common Ground Alliance’s (ABCGA) Ground Disturbance 201 Standard.

Alberta Ground Disturbance Courses:

• Ground Disturbance 101 Alberta (virtual proctoring available)
• Ground Disturbance 201 Alberta (virtual proctoring available)

Alberta Energy Regulator:

• In addition to the province of Alberta’s requirements, the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) also has its own ground disturbance training requirements for energy industry workers. The AER requires that anyone who conducts or supervises a ground disturbance activity at an oil and gas well site must have completed an approved ground disturbance training program within the past three years.

British Columbia:

• In British Columbia, training is required for any activity that involves digging deeper than 30 cm (11.8 inches) into the ground. The training must comply with the BC Common Ground Alliance’s (BCCGA) Ground Disturbance Training Standard.

British Columbia Ground Disturbance Courses:

• Ground Disturbance 201 BC (virtual proctoring available)

Saskatchewan:

• In Saskatchewan, training is required for any activity that involves digging deeper than 15 cm (5.9 inches) into the ground. The training must comply with the Saskatchewan Common Ground Alliance’s (SCGA) Ground Disturbance Standard.

Saskatchewan Ground Disturbance Courses

• Saskatchewan Ground Disturbance Awareness

Ontario:

• In Ontario, Canada, any excavation activity that involves digging deeper than 30 cm (11.8 inches) into the ground is considered a ground disturbance and is subject to regulatory requirements.
• The regulatory body responsible for enforcing these requirements in Ontario is the Ontario One Call Corporation (ON1Call). ON1Call is responsible for maintaining a centralized notification system that allows anyone planning to conduct a ground disturbance activity to notify all relevant utility companies, such as gas, water, or electrical companies, to locate and mark any underground infrastructure.
• In addition to notifying utility companies, Ontario also requires that anyone planning to conduct this activity complete an approved Ground Disturbance Training Program. This training program is designed to provide workers with the knowledge and skills necessary to work safely around underground infrastructure.

Manitoba:

• In Manitoba, training is required for any activity that involves digging deeper than 30 cm (11.8 inches) into the ground. The training must comply with the Manitoba Common Ground Alliance’s (MCGA) Ground Disturbance Training Standard.

Yukon:

• In Yukon, training is required for any activity that involves digging deeper than 30 cm (11.8 inches) into the ground. The training must comply with the Yukon Common Ground Alliance’s (YCGA) Ground Disturbance Standard.

Newfoundland and Labrador:

• In Newfoundland and Labrador, ground disturbance training is required for any activity that involves digging deeper than 30 cm (11.8 inches) into the ground. The training must comply with the Newfoundland and Labrador Common Ground Alliance’s (NLCGA) Ground Disturbance Standard.

Ground Disturbance Requirements in the United States:

Ground disturbance training requirements in the US also vary by state and municipality. For example, in Texas, excavation work that involves digging deeper than 16 inches requires that workers receive excavation safety training, meanwhile, in California, excavation work that involves digging deeper than 24 inches requires that workers receive trenching and excavation safety training.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA):

• In the United States, OSHA has excavation and trenching safety standards that apply to any work activity that involves digging, including ground disturbance. OSHA requires that employers provide workers with excavation safety training and ensure that they follow safe work practices when performing excavation work.

Colorado:

• In Colorado, excavation work that involves digging deeper than 18 inches requires that workers receive excavation safety training. The training must cover topics such as soil classification, protective systems, and excavation site inspections.

Massachusetts:

• In Massachusetts, excavation work that involves digging deeper than 4 feet requires that workers receive trenching and excavation safety training. The training must cover topics such as soil classification, protective systems, and hazard recognition.

New York:

• In New York, excavation work that involves digging deeper than 4 feet requires that workers receive excavation and trenching safety training. The training must cover topics such as soil analysis, protective systems, and emergency response procedures.

California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA):

• In addition to California’s state requirements, Cal/OSHA has its own excavation and trenching safety standards that apply to any work activity that involves digging. Cal/OSHA requires that employers provide workers with excavation and trenching safety training and ensure that they follow safe work practices when performing excavation work.

It’s important to note that these requirements are subject to change, and it’s always a good idea to consult with local authorities or industry organizations to ensure compliance with current regulations.