This article was published in the 2025 Excavation Safety Guide.
Clear communication and planning are integral to any excavation. Efficiently and effectively identifying and communicating the location of the proposed excavation site is one segment of the larger excavation process. Two common methods for identifying the worksite location are white lining and requesting an onsite excavation meeting. Both methods aim to enhance project safety and efficiency.
White Lining
White lining is a practice performed by the excavator to physically designate the scope of a proposed excavation site. It involves marking the area in white, using paint, chalk, flags, or other means, to outline where excavation will occur.
Planning:
White lining visually assists stakeholders in understanding the intended boundaries of work, helps prevent confusion, and communicates to facility owners and locators the exact site location. Many states require white lining, and it is a recommended best practice of the Common Ground Alliance.
Safety:
White lining can help excavators identify potential hazards in the excavation area. Marking the boundaries lets excavators better assess area utilities, structures, and other factors that may pose potential risks during excavation. It also provides facility owners and locators a roadmap of the proposed excavation site. T his allows the facility owners to spend more time locating their facilities and less time deciphering the location of the worksite.
Onsite Excavation Meeting
An onsite excavation meeting involves gathering stakeholders at the excavation site to discuss the project in detail. This meeting typically includes the excavator, facility owners, designer/engineers, and others related to or affected by the project.
Planning and Coordination:
An onsite meeting allows for in-depth discussions about the project’s scope, logistics, and timeline. Stakeholders can collaboratively identify issues, allocate resources, and develop a coordinated approach to project execution.
Safety:
Onsite meetings permit the attendees to identify the proposed excavation site by physically walking the project scope. The onsite meeting also provides an opportunity to discuss any aforementioned hazards posing risk to the excavator and safety concerns specific to the excavation and facilities.
Problem Solving:
Stakeholders can identify potential issues that may not be apparent from drawings or plans by being physically present at the site. This handson approach enables the ability to address concerns on the spot to facilitate quicker resolutions and any needed adjustments.
Relationships:
Onsite meetings foster collaboration and build rapport between stakeholders. Strong relationships enhance communication throughout the project, leading to better outcomes and smoother workflows.
To recap, white lining is typically a quick process to provide a visual boundary of the worksite while onsite meetings enhance the visualization to include detailed planning, problem solving, and coordination among stakeholders. Both white lining and onsite excavation meetings play a critical role in ensuring the success of construction projects. Understanding each method can help excavators choose the right approach for their projects, leading to safer and more efficient excavations.