FREE MASS Test Dig Safe Regulations Questions and Answers

Question 1

According to Massachusetts Dig Safe law (M.G.L. c. 82, § 40A), what is the minimum required notice an excavator must provide to the Dig Safe system before starting a non-emergency excavation?

Accepted Answer

72 hours, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays

Answer

48 hours, including weekends and holidays

Answer

At least 24 hours, but not more than 30 days

Answer

One full business week (5 business days)

Question 2

An operator has a valid Dig Safe ticket and a yellow line has been painted on the ground, indicating a natural gas pipeline. What is the mandatory procedure for digging within the 'tolerance zone' of this marking?

Accepted Answer

Excavation must be performed using non-mechanical means, such as hand digging.

Answer

The operator may use a small backhoe bucket if a spotter is present.

Answer

Mechanical digging is permitted as long as it does not go deeper than the frost line.

Answer

The gas company must be on-site to supervise any mechanical excavation.

Question 3

Before notifying Dig Safe for a project, an excavator must pre-mark the proposed area of work. According to the APWA standard used in Massachusetts, what color must be used for this pre-marking?

Accepted Answer

White

Answer

Red

Answer

Yellow

Answer

Blue

Question 4

A project's Dig Safe ticket was issued and utilities were marked on April 10th. Due to unforeseen delays, the excavation has not started by May 15th. What is the status of the Dig Safe markings?

Accepted Answer

The original marks are expired, and a new Dig Safe ticket must be requested for a re-mark.

Answer

The marks are still valid as long as they are clearly visible.

Answer

The excavator must contact the utility companies directly for verbal approval.

Answer

The marks are valid for 60 days, so work can proceed as planned.

Question 5

Which of the following situations qualifies as an 'emergency excavation' under Massachusetts law, allowing work to begin before the 72-hour notification period has passed?

Accepted Answer

An unexpected sinkhole appears, exposing a broken and leaking sewer main.

Answer

A project is falling behind its contractual deadline.

Answer

A homeowner wants to plant a large tree before a weekend party.

Answer

Scheduled replacement of an old, but currently functional, fire hydrant.

Question 6

During a site walk-through, an excavator observes several utility markings. Which of the following correctly pairs the utility type with its designated APWA color code?

Accepted Answer

Red: Electric Power Lines

Answer

Yellow: Potable Water

Answer

Green: Electric Power Lines

Answer

Blue: Communications or Cable TV