Prioritizing Safety: Call 811 Before You Dig This Spring
Understanding the Importance of Contacting 811
As the spring season approaches, many people are gearing up for various outdoor projects. One essential step that should not be overlooked is to contact 811 before any digging begins. This call is crucial for ensuring safety and preventing damage to underground utilities. A recent survey revealed that a significant percentage of individuals, 68%, plan to undertake DIY digging projects within the next year. Alarmingly, 27.2 million of these individuals do not intend to reach out to 811 beforehand, which poses serious risks not just to themselves but also to their communities.
Understanding the Risks of Not Calling 811
When planning digging tasks without knowing the precise locations of underground utilities, the potential for accidents and operational disruptions increases dramatically. Striking gas, electric, water, or sewer lines can lead to severe injuries, service interruptions, or expensive repairs. Bill Kiger, President and CEO of Pennsylvania 811, emphasizes that the law requires excavation with powered equipment to notify 811, underlining the risks associated with excavation without proper prior knowledge.
How 811 Works to Enhance Safety
The 811 one-call system is designed to improve communication between those planning digging projects and the owners of underground utilities. By acting as a central hub, Pennsylvania 811 facilitates the transfer of vital information from project managers and excavators to utility companies. This system effectively ensures that utility owners are informed about upcoming digging activities, allowing them to mark and provide guidance on the locations of underground lines to prevent accidents.
Best Practices When Digging
Upon contacting 811, facility owners provide an approximate location of their underground lines, generally within 18 inches of their edges. For excavators, this means employing careful techniques such as using hand-dug test holes or vacuum excavation when working close to these lines. Even minimal contact with a utility line, such as with a small tool, could result in a serious incident if not handled properly.
The Role of Pennsylvania 811 in Damage Prevention
Pennsylvania 811's dedicated mission to avoid damage to underground facilities has seen tremendous growth since its establishment in 1972. With an increase in utility membership to almost 3,800 operators across 67 counties, the organization is poised to serve as an effective communication channel, available 24/7. This widespread membership promotes awareness and actively contributes to damage prevention.
Continuous Growth in Excavation Notifications
As evidence of the organization’s success, excavation notifications to Pennsylvania 811 have surged in recent years. In just the previous year alone, the service recorded over a million notifications, demonstrating the heightened awareness among excavators and homeowners.
Collaboration for a Safer Future
It is crucial for all stakeholders—facility owners, project managers, and excavators—to collaborate towards enhancing safety in excavation practices. By eliminating exemptions and encouraging comprehensive participation from all utility operators, the initiative aims at fostering a culture of safety in the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it important to call 811 before digging?
Calling 811 before digging is essential to prevent damage to underground utilities and ensure the safety of individuals and the community.
What risks are associated with not contacting 811?
Failing to contact 811 can lead to serious injuries, service outages, and costly repairs due to accidental damage to gas, electric, or water lines.
When should I contact 811?
You should contact 811 at least three business days before starting any excavation or digging project, no matter how small.
What information does 811 provide?
811 provides information about the location of underground utilities, helping to prevent accidents during excavation activities.
How can I learn more about safe digging practices?
For more information about safe digging practices, you can visit your local 811 website or contact them directly to learn about safety guidelines.
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