How soon must the affected area be marked after a joint meet with the contractor following a locate request?

The requirement to mark the affected area within 48 hours after a joint meeting with the contractor following a locate request is important for ensuring safety and minimizing disruption during excavation. Marking the area promptly provides crucial information about the location of underground utilities, which helps prevent damage to those utilities and reduces the risk of accidents.

This timeframe is established to balance the need for thorough preparation and timely action. It allows enough time for utility personnel to review the information and accurately mark the necessary areas while ensuring that the project can proceed without unnecessary delays. Marking the area too late may lead to complications, such as increased costs or safety hazards, which can arise if excavation begins without clear knowledge of the underground layout.

Sticking to this 48-hour window is a critical part of maintaining the integrity of utility infrastructure and adhering to regulatory guidelines, which ultimately supports safe excavation practices.