THE OHIO811 SAFE DIGGING PROCESS

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  • PLAN

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    Plan your projects in advance. Providing an accurate address and details of your project provides OHIO811 member utilities with the information they need to mark their underground utility lines.

  • CONTACT OHIO811

    Ohio law requires that you call 800-362-2764 or 8-1-1 and/or submit a dig notification request through OHIO811 at least 48 hours (not including weekends and holidays) and no more than ten working days before you plan to dig. Contacting OHIO811 is free.

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    CONTACT OHIO811

  • TRANSMIT

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    You will receive a reference number as proof of your dig notification request.  Keep it for the duration of your excavation or longer when applicable.  OHIO811 then sends your dig notification information to the OHIO811 member utilities within your project area.

  • UTILITIES ARE LOCATED

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    UTILITIES ARE LOCATED

  • WAIT THE 48 HOURS

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    The excavators must wait 48 hours giving the OHIO811 member utilities time to identify their facilities or any potential conflicts.

  • POSITIVE RESPONSE

    OHIO811 member utilities indicate the status of your dig notification into the positive response system.  Excavators should check and confirm the status of their locate request through the positive response system prior to digging.

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    POSITIVE RESPONSE

  • RESPECT THE MARKS

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    Protect and preserve the markings until your project is complete.  If your project has not started within ten working days or the marks are destroyed or no longer visible, a new dig notification must be submitted.

  • DIG WITH CARE

    Carefully use smaller hand tools if you must dig near marked utility lines within the tolerance zone. Be cautious when you are removing soil because utility lines can be damaged by shovels just as with powered equipment. Pay close attention to any signs of a natural gas leak. If you smell something similar to rotten eggs or hear hissing, whistling, or roaring, leave the area immediately.  Take the same action if you hear crackling or think you may have damaged an electric line.  If you accidentally damage any utility lines, immediately call 9-1-1 and then call 800-362-2764 or 8-1-1.

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    DIG WITH CARE