What is the role of a line locator in ensuring safety during excavation?

The role of a line locator is essential for ensuring safety during excavation, primarily because it is designed to identify the precise location of buried utility lines, such as gas, water, and electrical cables. By accurately pinpointing the paths of these energy lines, a line locator significantly reduces the risk of accidental cuts or damages during excavation activities. This not only helps in preventing disruption of services but also ensures the safety of workers and the public by minimizing the likelihood of hazardous situations, such as gas leaks or electrical shocks.

The other options do not align with the primary function of a line locator. Reducing noise pollution from excavation and minimizing the need for protective gear are not objectives related to locating utility lines. Similarly, determining the age of buried wires is outside the scope of what a line locator does, as its main function is to locate and mark the presence of underground utilities, not to assess their condition or age. Thus, the identification of energy line locations is crucial for safe excavation practices.