(a) When excavating or after piercing any surface concrete or hard-surface covering, and if the excavation approaches within three (3) feet of the estimated horizontal location of any located underground facility, an excavator must expose each of the located underground facilities by hand digging within the limits of the proposed excavation. After each of the located underground facilities has been exposed by hand digging, the excavator may resume appropriate excavation techniques with reasonable care.
(b) Any operator of mechanized equipment must not perform an excavation until the operator is familiar with the location of underground facilities in the area to be excavated.
(c) An excavator must take all steps reasonably necessary to protect all underground facilities from damage during or as a result of excavation. An excavator must know and conform to the clearance requirements of each existing underground facility.
(d) Any excavation must be carried out with reasonable care. (1988 L.M.C., ch. 40, § 1.)