Is a surveyor required to check for underground utilities?

In the context of surveying practices in Oklahoma, surveyors are not inherently obligated by law to check for underground utilities unless it is specified in the contract they have with their client. This means that while it is advisable for surveyors to be aware of potential underground utilities due to safety concerns and project integrity, the legal requirement to check for them can vary based on the agreement made with the client.

When a surveyor is specifically contracted to locate or verify utilities, they must take the necessary steps to do so. However, if there is no explicit agreement in place mandating this responsibility, the surveyor is not legally liable. This approach allows for flexibility in surveying practices tailored to the unique needs of each project and the expectations set by the client. In summary, the requirement to check for underground utilities is contingent upon the client’s specific requests or contractual obligations made to the surveyor.