National Safe Digging Day, 811 Day, is upon us this August 11. Easy to remember because of its 8/11 date, the day is a good reminder to get underground utilities marked prior to breaking ground. Having utilities marked is free and easy to do; simply call 811 two to three business days prior to starting your project. While state laws vary, utilities companies generally have two to three days to respond to your request. Let’s learn why this is important and how it works.
Excavation Safety: For professional excavators such as construction workers and contractors, ensuring safety is crucial. Beneath every site lies a network of utility lines -- electric, water, gas and telecommunications. Striking these lines can cause:
- Costly delays & expensive repairs
- Service disruptions to the community
- And most importantly, serious injury or death
Contacting 811: Contacting 811 before digging helps prevent these risks.
When you contact 811, they will notify relevant utility companies to mark underground lines, free of charge, using colored flags or paint. This process usually only takes a few days. Different colors are used to mark underground utilities, and each color is universal:
- Red = Electric
- Orange = Communications, Telephone/CATV
- Blue = Potable Water
- Green = Sewer/Drainage
- Yellow = Gas/Petroleum
- Purple = Reclaimed Water
- White = Premark site for proposed excavation
Best Practices for Digging: After receiving utility markings, follow these practices:
- Respect the marks. Dig carefully around them.
- Maintain markings. Refresh if they fade or are removed.
- Verify responses. Ensure all utilities have reported.
- Hand dig in tolerance zones. Use hand tools within 18-24 inches of marked utilities.
Remember, 811 does not locate private utilities. Hire a private locator for systems including underground sprinklers, invisible fences, data communication systems or gas piping to a garage.
Training and Communication: Train your team on excavation procedures and the importance of contacting 811. Regular toolbox talks can reinforce safe practices and potentially save lives. Failing to contact 811 is unsafe and often illegal. Many states have laws requiring excavators to use the 811 system and to pre-mark proposed sites, with potential fines for non-compliance.
Your Responsibility: Always contact 811 before any excavation, no matter what the project size. Once utilities are located, wear proper protective gear before digging.
Whether you are digging a foundation for a skyscraper or installing a fence post, check before you dig. It is free, easy and helps keep your crew and the community out of harm’s way. Prioritizing 811 reflects your commitment to safety and professionalism. Stay informed, stay prepared, and stay safe!