3 minute read
Make the Call for Safe Digging— It’s the Law
The City is joining the Ohio Utilities Protection Service (OUPS) in reminding residents this spring to contact Ohio811 at least 48 working hours before starting any project requiring digging. That includes projects as small as digging out a new garden bed, planting bushes or installing a mailbox. If it needs excavating, it’s the law to call so that lines can be marked.
When it comes to safe digging, Ohio law defines excavating as using hand tools or power equipment to penetrate, bore or drill into the earth— even if the demolition is not intended to disturb the ground.
Ohio811 is a free single-step service that streamlines communication between homeowners or excavators and utilities. Once a caller notifies 8-1-1 by phone or web of the plans, member utilities will mark underground facilities using colored flags or paint within 48 hours— not including weekends or observed holidays. Ohio law states that if a homeowner hires an excavator to dig, the excavator must contact the service.
There is no charge for marking. Homeowners are responsible for ensuring private lines are marked.
Ohio does not require a certain depth for underground lines. General burial depth varies by utility. However, unavoidable factors like root growth, erosion and grading can change the position of lines without a utility’s knowledge. Because of these factors, OUPS notes that lines must be marked before every dig, even if they’ve been marked previously.
Depending on the utility, striking a line could cut off services to neighbors and cause a dangerous situation for workers and homeowners, not to mention fines and penalties. Enforced by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, fines for first offenses can be as much as $2,500 with subsequent violations racking up to $5,000. Fees are placed into an underground facilities protection fund for public education and training.
For the most up-to-date information about safe digging, visit www.OUPS.org.
What To Expect
Contact Ohio811 by calling 800-362-2764 or visiting www.OUPS.org/EDig no more than 10 days and at least 48 working hours before digging begins. Calling 8-1-1 connects you to the free nationwide hotline, which connects you to Ohio811. The caller provides the address and some project details.
The caller receives a reference number. Ohio811 notifies member utilities of the request.
Member utilities mark lines using colored flags or paint. Excavators must wait at least 48 hours to begin work. Visit www.OUPS.org for information about private line marking which is not included in the free Ohio811 service.
The caller receives a positive response when markings are complete and the project may proceed.
Respect The Marks
Markings should be protected at all times during the project. If markings are destroyed or removed, excavators must contact Ohio811. Also, contact Ohio811 if work doesn’t begin within 10 days of the originally stated start. If you must dig close to the lines, OUPS recommends using small hand tools and working cautiously.
Leave immediately and call 9-1-1 if you encounter the scent of rotten eggs or sounds of hissing, whistling or roaring while digging because they are indications of a natural gas leak. Similarly, leave and call 9-1-1 if you hear crackling sounds or believe you may have hit an electric line.
Know The Codes
Red: Electric power lines, cables, conduit and lighting cables
Yellow: Gas, oil, steam, petroleum or gaseous materials
Orange: Communication, alarm or signal lines, cables or conduit
Blue: Potable water
Purple: Reclaimed water, irrigation and slurry lines
Green: Sewers and drain lines
Pink: Temporary survey markings
White: Proposed excavation
Source: www.OUPS.org
