R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-1.2-10: Procedures at work site.

Any person or public agency excavating, tunneling, or discharging explosives shall exercise reasonable care when working in close proximity to the underground public utility facilities of any public utility. Further, when the facilities are to be exposed, only nonmechanical means shall be employed to locate the facility and such support, as may be reasonably necessary for the protection of the facilities, shall be provided in and near the work area.