Florida Underground Utility Contractor
Exam Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download PDF
1. Which of the following is the primary purpose of the “Call Before
You Dig” system in Florida?
A. To provide utility construction permits
B. To locate and mark underground utilities
C. To inspect utility equipment
D. To issue fines for improper excavation
Answer: B. To locate and mark underground utilities
Rationale: The “Call Before You Dig” system helps prevent damage to
underground utilities by requiring marking of utility lines before
excavation.
2. When performing excavation work near underground utilities, the
maximum allowable safe distance to hand dig around marked utilities
is:
A. 6 inches
B. 18 inches
C. 24 inches
D. 36 inches
,Answer: B. 18 inches
Rationale: OSHA and Florida regulations require careful hand digging
within 18 inches of marked utilities to prevent damage.
3. What type of soil is most likely to collapse in a trench if proper
shoring is not used?
A. Sandy soil
B. Clay soil
C. Gravel
D. Rocky soil
Answer: A. Sandy soil
Rationale: Sandy soil is loose and unstable, making trench collapses
more likely without shoring or trench boxes.
4. The Florida Underground Facility Damage Prevention and Safety Act
requires contractors to:
A. Inspect all excavation equipment annually
B. Notify utilities before digging
C. Submit a weekly excavation report
D. Hire licensed surveyors for all projects
Answer: B. Notify utilities before digging
Rationale: The Act ensures safe excavation by requiring notification to
utility owners to locate underground lines before starting work.
5. Which is a common method to protect underground utilities during
construction?
,A. Backfilling with sand
B. Installing trench boxes
C. Painting utility lines
D. Using explosives for excavation
Answer: B. Installing trench boxes
Rationale: Trench boxes provide structural support to prevent collapses
and protect workers and existing utilities.
6. A contractor notices an unmarked utility line while digging. The
correct action is:
A. Continue digging carefully
B. Report it to the utility owner immediately
C. Cover it and proceed
D. Ignore it if it’s non-metallic
Answer: B. Report it to the utility owner immediately
Rationale: Unmarked utilities must be reported to prevent accidental
damage and ensure safety.
7. Which agency enforces underground utility safety regulations in
Florida?
A. Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)
B. Florida Public Service Commission (PSC)
C. Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
D. Florida Underground Facility Safety Board
Answer: D. Florida Underground Facility Safety Board
Rationale: The Board oversees compliance with the Florida
Underground Facility Damage Prevention and Safety Act.
, 8. What is the minimum width for a standard utility trench for a 4-inch
pipe?
A. 6 inches
B. 12 inches
C. 24 inches
D. 36 inches
Answer: B. 12 inches
Rationale: Minimum trench widths are determined by pipe size,
installation requirements, and safety codes.
9. A backhoe operator is digging and encounters a gas line. What is
the immediate step?
A. Shut off equipment and evacuate area
B. Continue digging carefully
C. Cover the line with dirt
D. Call 911 after the job is complete
Answer: A. Shut off equipment and evacuate area
Rationale: Gas lines are highly dangerous; work must stop immediately,
and emergency procedures followed.
10. What is the recommended slope for a trench 8 feet deep in type C
soil?
A. 1:1
B. 1:1.5
C. 1:2
D. Vertical walls are allowed
Exam Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download PDF
1. Which of the following is the primary purpose of the “Call Before
You Dig” system in Florida?
A. To provide utility construction permits
B. To locate and mark underground utilities
C. To inspect utility equipment
D. To issue fines for improper excavation
Answer: B. To locate and mark underground utilities
Rationale: The “Call Before You Dig” system helps prevent damage to
underground utilities by requiring marking of utility lines before
excavation.
2. When performing excavation work near underground utilities, the
maximum allowable safe distance to hand dig around marked utilities
is:
A. 6 inches
B. 18 inches
C. 24 inches
D. 36 inches
,Answer: B. 18 inches
Rationale: OSHA and Florida regulations require careful hand digging
within 18 inches of marked utilities to prevent damage.
3. What type of soil is most likely to collapse in a trench if proper
shoring is not used?
A. Sandy soil
B. Clay soil
C. Gravel
D. Rocky soil
Answer: A. Sandy soil
Rationale: Sandy soil is loose and unstable, making trench collapses
more likely without shoring or trench boxes.
4. The Florida Underground Facility Damage Prevention and Safety Act
requires contractors to:
A. Inspect all excavation equipment annually
B. Notify utilities before digging
C. Submit a weekly excavation report
D. Hire licensed surveyors for all projects
Answer: B. Notify utilities before digging
Rationale: The Act ensures safe excavation by requiring notification to
utility owners to locate underground lines before starting work.
5. Which is a common method to protect underground utilities during
construction?
,A. Backfilling with sand
B. Installing trench boxes
C. Painting utility lines
D. Using explosives for excavation
Answer: B. Installing trench boxes
Rationale: Trench boxes provide structural support to prevent collapses
and protect workers and existing utilities.
6. A contractor notices an unmarked utility line while digging. The
correct action is:
A. Continue digging carefully
B. Report it to the utility owner immediately
C. Cover it and proceed
D. Ignore it if it’s non-metallic
Answer: B. Report it to the utility owner immediately
Rationale: Unmarked utilities must be reported to prevent accidental
damage and ensure safety.
7. Which agency enforces underground utility safety regulations in
Florida?
A. Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)
B. Florida Public Service Commission (PSC)
C. Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
D. Florida Underground Facility Safety Board
Answer: D. Florida Underground Facility Safety Board
Rationale: The Board oversees compliance with the Florida
Underground Facility Damage Prevention and Safety Act.
, 8. What is the minimum width for a standard utility trench for a 4-inch
pipe?
A. 6 inches
B. 12 inches
C. 24 inches
D. 36 inches
Answer: B. 12 inches
Rationale: Minimum trench widths are determined by pipe size,
installation requirements, and safety codes.
9. A backhoe operator is digging and encounters a gas line. What is
the immediate step?
A. Shut off equipment and evacuate area
B. Continue digging carefully
C. Cover the line with dirt
D. Call 911 after the job is complete
Answer: A. Shut off equipment and evacuate area
Rationale: Gas lines are highly dangerous; work must stop immediately,
and emergency procedures followed.
10. What is the recommended slope for a trench 8 feet deep in type C
soil?
A. 1:1
B. 1:1.5
C. 1:2
D. Vertical walls are allowed
