Reporting Damage

to underground utility facilities

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. Quick, accurate reporting isn’t about blame — it’s how we work together to contain the hazard, restore service, and learn what went wrong so the next crew stays safe.

This page provides links to report incidents, shares tools like the Common Ground Alliance (CGA) DIRT report, and explains how the Underground Technical Committee (UTC) investigates alleged compliance failures for statewide advancements in safe excavation.

Mandatory Damage Reporting

DAMAGES MUST BE REPORTED BY PHONE TO OHIO811

ORC 3781.30(A)(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…“

ORC 3781.30(A)(7)

If there is escaping flammable, corrosive, explosive, or toxic liquids or gas: Immediately report to the utility, the protections service, and 9-1-1 if necessary. Take reasonable appropriate actions needed to protect persons and property and to minimize safety hazards until the proper agencies and utilities arrive at the scene.

ORC 3781.30(A)(8): Damage Reporting shall, at a minimum, include all of the following:

  • The location where the damaged underground facility is located
  • The type of underground utility facility damaged, including:
    • Approximate size, material type and color (if available)
  • The approximate depth at which the damage was encountered

Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO)

In 2015 Ohio law assigned PUCO with the duties of enforcing Ohio’s damage prevention laws. Aggrieved persons can report alleged compliance failures to the PUCO to be investigated, who will then forward the information to the Underground Technical Committee (UTC).

Underground Technical Committee (UTC)

A committee of individuals with knowledge and experience in safe excavation who review compliance failures to decide if a compliance failure occurred and determine an appropriate consequence.

The CGA collaborates with industry stakeholders and regulators nationwide in the shared goal of damage prevention.

National Damage Reporting data can be found in the CGA DIRT Report.