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How-To

Digging Safely

Dial 811 to check your state’s requirements and hear some general guidelines.

By Mike Guertin Issue 262 - Oct/Nov 2016
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I know I need to contact the utilities when I’m excavating a site so that they can mark out anything underground, but is this necessary when I’m doing site grading that is less than 4 in. deep?
—Bruce Kelly, via email

M.G.: The answer depends on your location. In Rhode Island, where I live, we’re required to notify the utility marking service and have underground utilities located even if we’re scraping off old turf to reseed a lawn, simply because we’re using power equipment. In some states, utility marking is required even when digging by hand for a mailbox post or a tree. You can check your state’s requirements and some general guidelines by visiting call811.com or just dialing 811. Operators will connect you with your local utility marking service. Be sure to call several days ahead of when you plan to start work. It may take three business days from when you call until the service has marked out the utilities and you are permitted to do the work.

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  1. rexab | Dec 02, 2016 06:47pm | #1

    Good information...I work for a utility It happens a lot where cables are placed to the proper depth. Then the developer will change the grade for a ditch. Then a few years later the property owner will come in to change the grade again by 4 to 6 inches and bang there is a damage. When digging call 811 its the best insurance you can possible buy. The cost to you for repairing cable / telephone / power and gas can add up to some serious dollars fast not to mention the safety factor for you while digging

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