(a) An excavator who by removing the surrounding materials exposes an underground facility which in his or her judgment appears to have failed or to be in potential danger of failing from corrosion or other causes shall immediately report such condition to the operator of such underground facility.
(b) The excavator shall delay any further work in the immediate vicinity of such underground facility which could jeopardize it but may proceed in areas not affecting the questionable facility.
(c) The excavator may proceed in such immediate vicinity after the operator responds and takes necessary action in regard thereto and advises the excavator that he or she may proceed.