What should you do if you encounter a non-movable obstacle in the ROW?

What should you do if you encounter a non-movable obstacle in the ROW?

• A. Continue working with caution
• B. Move the obstacle yourself
• C. Stop work, notify the supervisor, and coordinate with the local authority to determine the proper removal or temporary workaround
• D. Document the obstacle and return to it later

Answer: (C)

When you find an obstacle in the ROW that can’t be moved, the first and most important step is to stop work and raise it through the proper channels. This is about safety and doing things the right way: you pause to prevent harm, then tell your supervisor so someone with authority can assess the risk and plan the next steps. Coordinating with the local authority is essential because they oversee permits, traffic control, and who owns or controls the obstacle. They can determine the approved method for removal or a safe temporary workaround that meets regulations and keeps the project moving without compromising safety. Trying to move the obstacle yourself is not appropriate, as it may be illegal, dangerous, or beyond your authority and training. Simply continuing with caution doesn’t resolve the hazard, and delaying by documenting and returning later can leave the site unsafe and disrupt the project. The right approach is to halt, report, and follow an officially sanctioned plan for removal or bypass.

When you find an obstacle in the ROW that can’t be moved, the first and most important step is to stop work and raise it through the proper channels. This is about safety and doing things the right way: you pause to prevent harm, then tell your supervisor so someone with authority can assess the risk and plan the next steps. Coordinating with the local authority is essential because they oversee permits, traffic control, and who owns or controls the obstacle. They can determine the approved method for removal or a safe temporary workaround that meets regulations and keeps the project moving without compromising safety.

Trying to move the obstacle yourself is not appropriate, as it may be illegal, dangerous, or beyond your authority and training. Simply continuing with caution doesn’t resolve the hazard, and delaying by documenting and returning later can leave the site unsafe and disrupt the project. The right approach is to halt, report, and follow an officially sanctioned plan for removal or bypass.