Thank you for contacting 811.
Here is what you can expect after your ticket is processed, along with other things that go beyond contacting 811.
AFTER CONTACTING 811
EXCAVATORS
1.
PROPERTY ACCESS
Being on-site
It is not a requirement for you to be on-site, however, please be sure to follow steps 2-4 if applicable.
Pets
Remove and/or safely contain dogs and other pets. Even if a pet looks friendly, locators may not enter the yard.
Gate codes
If you are working in a gated community, provide the gate code.
Locked gates
Make sure gates are unlocked
2.
UTILITY MARKINGS
What utilities are marked by 811?
The 811 One-Call system notifies participating utility members, but does not actually mark the lines. Member utilities may only mark public utilities and may not mark private or non-member utilities.
What utilities are considered private?
Private utilities are lines not owned by utility companies, typically found between the meter and the building. If you have a curbside meter, this can result in the property not being marked by utility companies. Other underground utilities that generally are not marked include, but are not limited to water and sewer lines, private lighting, sprinklers, fire mains, secondary electric lines to detached garages, pools, and septic lines.
Who locates private lines?
Is a request for a private locate free?
There are fees for private utility markings. The underground utilities are owned by the property owner, and it’s the owner’s responsibility to cover the cost associated with protecting private underground utilities.
3.
HOW DO I KNOW WHICH UTILITIES HAVE RESPONDED?
Each utility member has a different way of communicating in regards to utilities on the property. This is referred to as a Positive Response.
Positive response lets the excavator know if an underground utility is marked, unmarked, or not in conflict.
An online positive response will be provided by the utility HERE by clicking the “Find Locate Request” option. It allows the excavator to know whether all facility owners/operators have marked the requested area prior to the beginning of the excavation
If your locate request status is closed or states there is no response from member facility owner/operator, we suggest you initiate a second call back to Alabama 811 to allow for the request to be resent to the member facility owners. Alabama 811 can be reached toll free by dialing 800.292.8525, or by dialing 811 from anywhere within the State of Alabama.
4.
TICKET NUMBER
Once you submit a locate request, you will receive a ticket number. It is important to maintain locate request ticket number as verification that a request was made. It is also helpful to expediate look up in the Alabama 811 system if you should need to refer back to this request.
5.
I NEED TO CHANGE SOMETHING ON MY LOCATE.
Contact 811 to make changes to your existing ticket (you’ll need your ticket number). Simply dial 811 or 1.800.292.8525.
6.
I’M STILL WORKING
If the excavation work will continue past the 20-day working period, the locate request should be updated by the 17th working day to allow for the new 2 full day working day notice (not counting the day of the notification) to allow the facility owners to refresh any marks prior to the expiration of the original request.
7.
MARKINGS ARE NO LONGER VISIBLE
You can request to have the markings refreshed by phone, by dialing 811 or 1.800.292.8525 (you will need your ticket number). Ultimately, you are responsible for knowing the condition of the worksite and when the marks have been wiped out, or moved, and need to be refreshed.
8.
REPORT DAMAGES
What do I do if I damaged/exposed a line?
Stop digging and contact 811 to process a damage ticket.
Report damages to Alabama 811 when a line has been hit, cut, nicked, or exposed.
As soon as any damage is discovered, including gouges, dents, or breaks to coating, cable sheath, and wiring, report the type and location of the damage to the utility and permit the utility a reasonable amount of time to make necessary repairs.
The following will need to be provided when processing a damage.
Ticket number (if you have one)
Type of line damaged/a description of the line by using physical descriptors that could help utility members determine who the line belongs to.
If you or the hired crew is on site.
If customers are with or without service.
If gas is leaking, blowing, or if water, sewage, phone or cable is visable.
An address or directions to area where line was damaged.
WHAT TO DO IF THERE’S A GAS or OTHER HAZARDOUS MATERIALS LEAK
- Stop working, block off the area, and move a safe distance away.
- Eliminate and control any and all ignition sources (ex. cell phones, cigarettes, engines…)
- Move upwind of the leak.
Once you are at a safe distance from the suspected leak, report the leak to 911 and the utility company.
Contact 911, the facility owner directly, and notify 811 to report the damage and release.
Remain a safe distance from the suspected leak until someone from the gas company or an emergency responder says it is safe to return.
Warn others to stay away from the area.