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ComplianceGlossary Term

Excavation Damage Prevention

The process of locating and marking buried utilities before any ground-breaking work begins. Subcontractors are legally required to call before you dig under provincial one-call regulations. Failure to comply can result in fines, project shutdowns, and liability for repair costs.

Related Terms

Classification (aggregate)

Compliance

A method of grouping all subcontractor invoices or costs together to assess total contract value or spending thresholds. Owners and primes use aggregate classification to trigger compliance requirements, audit rights, or tiered pricing terms. Subcontractors should track cumulative billing carefully, as crossing thresholds can change contract obligations.

Underground Utility Strike

Compliance

An accidental hit to a buried line — gas, electric, telecom, or water — during excavation or drilling. Subcontractors are typically liable for damages, work stoppages, and injuries if proper locates weren't completed. Always confirm valid BC One Call or Alberta One-Call tickets before breaking ground.

CBP (Customs and Border Protection)

Compliance

The U.S. federal agency that regulates the entry of workers, equipment, and materials across the Canadian-American border, which subcontractors must navigate when mobilising crews or hauling specialised equipment into U.S. job sites. Non-compliance with CBP requirements can result in delays at the border, seized equipment, or crews being turned away, making proper documentation and advance planning critical for cross-border field work.

ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers)

Compliance

A global standards organisation that sets codes for pressure vessels, piping, and mechanical equipment used on job sites. Subcontractors working on boilers, pressure systems, or lifting equipment often must meet ASME standards to qualify for contracts. Non-compliance can trigger failed inspections, work stoppages, or liability exposure.

Heat Illness Prevention

Compliance

Protocols subcontractors must follow to protect field crews from heat-related conditions during outdoor or hot-environment work. Includes hydration schedules, shade access, acclimatisation plans, and buddy checks. Non-compliance can result in stop-work orders, liability exposure, or lost contracts.

Bonding

Compliance

A surety bond is a financial guarantee that a subcontractor will fulfil contractual obligations. Many operators and prime contractors require bonding before awarding field service work. It protects the client if the subcontractor defaults or fails to perform.

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