HELPFUL TIP:
The proposed areas of excavations can be marked with white paint in order to show the location or boundaries of the proposed excavation. This helps with the efficiency of the locate process.
Safe digging is everyone’s responsibility, but excavators have more responsibilities under the law and higher risk if the proper processes aren’t followed. Submitting a ticket is the first step but it’s not the only step, and sometimes it takes more than just the one call.
HELPFUL TIP:
The proposed areas of excavations can be marked with white paint in order to show the location or boundaries of the proposed excavation. This helps with the efficiency of the locate process.
What is a Positive Response?
Positive Response is a process to facilitate communication between utilities, excavators and Alabama 811, regarding the status of identifying and marking the underground facilities within the proposed area of excavation on locate request tickets.
Responses can be viewed in real-time via the Find Locate Request link on the Alabama 811 WebPortal.
Our member underground facility owners must provide positive response, or give the “all clear,” before you can begin digging. You can check the status of your request online HERE by clicking the “Find Locate Request” option. You will need your locate request number to access the system. If a facility has not responded, we suggest that you contact Alabama 811 to have a second notice sent to members to let them know it has not been marked so that they can get it marked for your safety and protection.
Alabama 811 members can submit responses through Alabama 811’s WebPortal, utilize our free version of KorWeb ticket management software, or with a compatible in-house ticket management system.
If you would like to submit responses for your company you will need to fill out a registration form HERE.
Positive Response option for HIGH VOLUME tickets – For members that receive a high volume of locate requests, use a ticket management system or use your own response system, you will want to register for the automated upload to the positive response servers. Please indicate your interest on the registration form. Alabama 811 will provide documentation outlining the setup needed to enter responses into the positive response system.
Positive Response for the Alabama 811 WebPortal and Mobile App – The Alabama 811 WebPortal and the Alabama 811 Mobile App are resources available to members to document and record their responses to the locate request notifications received. The excavators will have the ability to look up the ticket and view the responses from members on the locate requests. The responses submitted will inform the excavators if utilities have been marked, are clear of the excavation
For more information, contact Jennifer Pickle: jpickle@al811.com or 205.731.3210
NAME | DESCRIPTION |
---|---|
No Response from member facility | System generated code for no response |
Located: Facilities Marked | Facilities Marked |
Located: To Meter Only | Private Property beyond the meter |
Located: In Conflict | Facility owner should be on-site during excavation |
Unmarked: Unable to Access Locate Request Area | Unable to access area noted for locate request |
Unmarked: Incorret Address or Excavation Site Info | Info incorrect – Contact AL811 for new locate request |
Unmarked: Marking Information Unclear – Locator to Contact Excavator | Info unclear – excavator to be contacted directly |
Unmarked: Unable to Contact Excavator | Needed additional info – unable to reach excavator |
Unmarked: Delayed due to Weather of Other Circumstances | Delayed – need to contact locator or facility owner/operator directly |
Unmarked: Cannot Locate – contact facility owner/operator directly | Unable to locate – need to contact facility owner/operator directly |
Unmarked: Facility Owner/Operator or Master Contractor Generated Request | Facility owner/operator or master contractor responsible for marking |
Design/Survey Locate: Marked | Physical markings completed at excavation site |
Design/Survey Locate: Cleared No Conflict | No facilities in the area requested for design/survey site |
Design/Survey Locate: Facility Owner/Operator to Provide Maps | Facility owner/operator will provide maps or access to maps |
Design/Survey Locate: Meeting Requested | Facility owner/operator will contact to set up meeting arrangements |
Other: Parties Have Agreed and Documented Locating Schedule | Parties have met and made locating schedule arrangements |
The marking guide from the American Public Works Association provides for universal use and understanding of the temporary marking of underground facilities.
White
Red
Yellow
Orange
Blue
Green
Purple
Pink
18 inches PLUS the diameter of the utility
Use of color-coded surface marks (paint, chalk, flags etc) is to indicate the location and route of buried facilities. All marks should indicate the name, initials or logo of the company that owns or operates the lines to help determine the proper facility owner if needed. If the width of the facility is greater than 2” (5mm) then it is good to indicate the width. If the surface above the buried facilities is to be removed, such as asphalt removal, then supplemental offset marks may be used. Offset markings should be on a uniform alignment and must clearly indicate the actual facility specific distance.