When excavation damages a buried utility, the first move should always the same: get everyone to safety, stop work, and protect the area. Next, report the damage to the appropriate parties.

Ohio requires all damages to be reported to Ohio 811;

(6) As soon as any damage is discovered, including gouges, dents, or breaks to coatings, cable sheathes, and cathodic protection anodes or wiring, report the type and location of the damage to the utility and the protection service and permit the utility a reasonable amount of time to make necessary repairs. If the owner or operator of the utility facility is unknown, notification to the protection service satisfies the excavator’s reporting requirement to the utility under this section. — ORC 3781.30(A)(6)

(7) Immediately report to the utility, the protection service, and, if necessary, to the appropriate emergency response agencies by calling 9-1-1, any damage to an underground utility facility that results in escaping flammable, corrosive, explosive, or toxic liquids or gas, and take reasonable appropriate actions needed to protect persons and property and to minimize safety hazards until those agencies and departments and the utility arrive at the scene. If the owner or operator of the utility facility is unknown, notification to the protection service satisfies the excavator’s reporting requirement to the utility under this section. — ORC 3781.30(A)(7)

(8) In complying with divisions (A)(6) and (7) of this section, damage information reporting shall, at a minimum, include all of the following:

(a) The location or address where the damaged underground facility is located;

(b) The type of underground utility facility damaged, including the approximate size, material type and color, if available;

(c) The approximate depth at which the damaged underground utility facility was encountered. — ORC 3781.30(A)(8)

Striking underground utility lines can be costly, but more importantly, it can be dangerous. CAUTION MUST ALWAYS BE USED.