Utility Strikes: Call Before You Dig (811)
Overview
Contacting utility location services before digging prevents strikes on underground utilities that can cause serious injuries, service disruptions, and significant property damage.
Why This Is Important
Underground utilities including gas, electric, water, and telecommunications lines are present throughout developed areas. Striking these utilities can cause explosions, electrocutions, flooding, and service outages affecting entire communities.
Utility strikes often result in emergency evacuations, environmental damage, and enormous repair costs, in addition to potential injuries or deaths from the immediate hazard.
Safe Digging Process
Call 811
Contact utility location service at least 2-3 business days before any digging project. Provide accurate excavation information.
Wait for Marking
Allow time for utilities to mark their lines. Never begin excavation before all utilities have responded and marked their facilities.
Dig Carefully
Hand dig within marked tolerance zones (typically 18-24 inches). Use non-destructive methods near marked utilities.
Report Strikes
Report utility strikes immediately to the utility company and appropriate authorities. Stop work and secure the area.
Best Practices & Safety Tips
Pre-Excavation Planning
- Call 811 or local one-call center at least 2-3 business days before any digging project
- Provide accurate information about your planned excavation location, scope, and timing
- Wait for utility companies to mark their lines before beginning any excavation work
- Understand utility marking colors and symbols used in your area
Excavation Procedures
- Hand dig within tolerance zone (typically 18-24 inches) around marked utilities
- Use vacuum excavation or other non-destructive methods for precise digging near utilities
- Never assume absence of markings means no utilities exist - some lines may be privately owned
- Contact utility companies directly for exact locations when working in close proximity to marked lines
Utility Marking System
- Red: Electric power lines, cables, conduit, and lighting cables
- Orange: Telecommunications, alarm or signal lines, cables, or conduit
- Yellow: Natural gas, oil, steam, petroleum, or other gaseous or flammable materials
- Green: Sewers and drain lines
- Blue: Potable water
- Purple: Reclaimed water, irrigation, and slurry lines
- Pink: Temporary survey markings
- White: Proposed excavation limits
Emergency Procedures
- Stop work immediately if you encounter unmarked utilities
- Contact appropriate utility company for unmarked facilities
- Evacuate area if gas or hazardous materials are involved
- Call emergency services for immediate safety threats
Common Challenges and Solutions
Marking Issues
- Faded or disturbed markings: Request re-marking before proceeding
- Incomplete responses: Follow up with utility companies that haven’t responded
- Conflicting information: Resolve discrepancies before excavating
- Private utilities: Research property records and contact owners directly
Project Coordination
- Schedule coordination: Plan utility location requests to align with project timelines
- Multiple phases: Request new locations for each phase of extended projects
- Weather delays: Account for weather impacts on marking schedules
- Emergency work: Use emergency procedures for urgent repairs
Special Situations
- Horizontal directional drilling: Requires specialized location and monitoring procedures
- Deep excavations: May require additional location methods for deeper utilities
- Congested areas: Extra care needed in areas with multiple utility crossings
- Historical areas: Older utilities may not be accurately mapped
Discussion Questions
- Local Utilities: What types of underground utilities are commonly found in your work areas?
- Marking Issues: Have you ever encountered utilities that weren't properly marked? What did you do?
- Project Coordination: What challenges exist in coordinating utility marking with project schedules?
- Maintenance: How do you handle situations where markings have faded or been disturbed?
- Emergency Response: What immediate actions should be taken if a utility line is accidentally struck?
Remember: Calling 811 before digging is a simple, free service that prevents utility strikes with potentially catastrophic consequences. Taking time for proper utility location protects workers, the public, and infrastructure from serious damage and dangerous situations.