National Safe Digging Month Resources

National Safe Digging Month

Please help us spread the Safe Digging Message!

Toolkit & Assets

Every year, the industry celebrates National Safe Digging Month (NSDM) in April. During the month, campaigns and activities focus on promoting safe digging to the general public and professionals nationwide. Here are some images and other tools that you may use to help.

Images + Infographics

DOWNLOAD

Social Media & Messaging

Videos

Feel free to use or share these on your social media, website, & more.

“Don’t Risk it”

15-seconds

“Avoid damages to underground utilities”

30-seconds

“Do you know what the colors mean?”

30-seconds

“Don’t risk it”

15-seconds (non-animated)

Feel free to use or post links to the following articles:

All 811 Tips Information News

811 tips for excavators

811 Tips for facility owners and operators

Planning a planting project

First time 811 users

Reasons homeowners don’t contact 811, and why they should

What’s the difference between public and private utilities?

811 tips for excavators

811 Tips for Excavators

The damage prevention industry has many moving parts. Each stakeholder plays an important role in making the 811 process work effectively. If everyone involved works to make their area of responsibility more efficient, the entire 811 system will be able to function like a well-oiled machine.

The 811 System can only work efficiently when we work together

INFOGRAPHIC

Ways You Can Help

Provide Quality Information

Be sure to provide accurate and detailed information when starting a ticket

✓ Assess your route or excavation site
✓ Gather all your information
✓ Premark the location with white paint

Let the utility owners know if

you will need to be on site
pets are in the area
Gate code or locked gates

When making a call for notification or placing an online locate request to Alabama 811, please have the Proper Notification Procedures information available.

Name, phone number, address of the person who is digging
Name, phone number and email address of the person submitting the locate request
Name, phone number, and email address of the site contact
Who the work is being done for
Proposed starting date of the work
Nature of work
Type of equipment being used
If explosives are being used as well as if you will be doing any directional boring
City and County where work is taking place
Address and/or driving directions to the work location
Nearest cross street
Work site locate instructions
GPS if applicable
Any other information that will help utility operators mark their underground facilities near your work site

Be Specific About Location & Dimensions

Be specific about the dig site and only request marks in the exact area where excavation work is taking place.

This critical information helps narrow the scope of work so locators can focus on marking what’s needed for each project and avoid spending time on unnecessary marks.

Example: locate a 50ft radius at base of pole at given address.

Mileage locates must be broken up into 1-mile segments if possible.

Multiple addresses on the same street may be entered on one ticket for up to one mile, but only if the work is being done in a continuous line or trench. If the lines need to be marked up to the house/building, or if a pole along the pole line is skipped, then separate tickets will need to be entered.
If requesting to locate along a stretch of road, starting from intersecting roads, distance and direction from the intersection must be listed on a separate locate request ticket for each road. If the road indicated as your dig street intersects in more than one point with the provided intersecting road, you must be specific on which intersection is being referenced.
If requesting to locate a distance from an address, the distance and direction from the address must be listed on the locate request.
In order to use utility easements/right of ways, railroad tracks, county/state lines or creeks/waterways as a starting point, you must give distance and direction from two roads that you can see on AL 811 map to the starting point.
If requesting to locate a distance from a bridge, the distance and direction from the closest intersecting roads to bridge, as well as the distance and direction needed located from the bridge must be listed on the locate request.

Acreage locate instructions must include one of the following:

The total number of acres for the request, and/or measurements for the area to be located. Ex: this is a 3 acre lot, or this property is 4000ft x 2000ft.
A list of all of the surrounding boundaries.

Example: The site is bounded by Smith St on the north side, 9th St on the west side, Ames Ave on the east side and Will Rd on the south side.

Be specific about the dig site and only request marks in the exact area where excavation work is taking place.

This critical information helps narrow the scope of work so locators can focus on marking what’s needed for each project and avoid spending time on unnecessary marks.

Example: locate a 50ft radius at base of pole at given address.

Mileage locates must be broken up into 1-mile segments if possible.

Multiple addresses on the same street may be entered on one ticket for up to one mile, but only if the work is being done in a continuous line or trench. If the lines need to be marked up to the house/building, or if a pole along the pole line is skipped, then separate tickets will need to be entered.
If requesting to locate along a stretch of road, starting from intersecting roads, distance and direction from the intersection must be listed on a separate locate request ticket for each road. If the road indicated as your dig street intersects in more than one point with the provided intersecting road, you must be specific on which intersection is being referenced.
If requesting to locate a distance from an address, the distance and direction from the address must be listed on the locate request.
In order to use utility easements/right of ways, railroad tracks, county/state lines or creeks/waterways as a starting point, you must give distance and direction from two roads that you can see on AL 811 map to the starting point.
If requesting to locate a distance from a bridge, the distance and direction from the closest intersecting roads to bridge, as well as the distance and direction needed located from the bridge must be listed on the locate request.

Acreage locate instructions must include one of the following:

The total number of acres for the request, and/or measurements for the area to be located. Ex: this is a 3 acre lot, or this property is 4000ft x 2000ft.
A list of all of the surrounding boundaries.

Example: The site is bounded by Smith St on the north side, 9th St on the west side, Ames Ave on the east side and Will Rd on the south side.

Be specific about the dig site and only request marks in the exact area where excavation work is taking place.

This critical information helps narrow the scope of work so locators can focus on marking what’s needed for each project and avoid spending time on unnecessary marks.

Example: locate a 50ft radius at base of pole at given address.

Mileage locates must be broken up into 1-mile segments if possible.

Multiple addresses on the same street may be entered on one ticket for up to one mile, but only if the work is being done in a continuous line or trench. If the lines need to be marked up to the house/building, or if a pole along the pole line is skipped, then separate tickets will need to be entered.
If requesting to locate along a stretch of road, starting from intersecting roads, distance and direction from the intersection must be listed on a separate locate request ticket for each road. If the road indicated as your dig street intersects in more than one point with the provided intersecting road, you must be specific on which intersection is being referenced.
If requesting to locate a distance from an address, the distance and direction from the address must be listed on the locate request.
In order to use utility easements/right of ways, railroad tracks, county/state lines or creeks/waterways as a starting point, you must give distance and direction from two roads that you can see on AL 811 map to the starting point.
If requesting to locate a distance from a bridge, the distance and direction from the closest intersecting roads to bridge, as well as the distance and direction needed located from the bridge must be listed on the locate request.

Acreage locate instructions must include one of the following:

The total number of acres for the request, and/or measurements for the area to be located. Ex: this is a 3 acre lot, or this property is 4000ft x 2000ft.
A list of all of the surrounding boundaries.

Example: The site is bounded by Smith St on the north side, 9th St on the west side, Ames Ave on the east side and Will Rd on the south side.

Give Good Contact Name & Phone #

Be sure to provide accurate and detailed information when starting a ticket

Providing good contact information sounds obvious, but many tickets are received with a bad phone number or a phone that goes straight to a voicemail box that is full.
To avoid delays, provide the contact information for someone who is on-site or familiar with the dig-site and schedule.

Providing good contact information sounds obvious, but many tickets are received without a name or phone number.
To avoid delays, provide the contact information for someone who is on-site or familiar with the dig-site and schedule.

Give Accurate Description of Work Being Performed

Make sure to provide an accurate description of the work being performed.
Providing more detail enables locators to address internal concerns in advance, arrive better prepared, and get straight to business.
In the case of an apartment complex, or specific lot numbers, individual building or lot numbers should go on different tickets. Since these building numbers or lot numbers cannot be related to a specific address, they require different notifications.
When excavation involves more than one street, When working at an intersection, the intersection can go on one notification. If the excavation is at an intersection and continues down one street, then that information can go on one notification. If the excavation is at an intersection and continues down two streets, the second street requires another notification.
Provide accurate driving directions with distances and cardinal headings (North, South, East, West) when working in rural areas.

Make sure to provide an accurate description of the work being performed.
Providing more detail enables locators to address internal concerns in advance, arrive better prepared, and get straight to business.
In the case of an apartment complex, or specific lot numbers, individual building or lot numbers should go on different tickets. Since these building numbers or lot numbers cannot be related to a specific address, they require different notifications.
When excavation involves more than one street, When working at an intersection, the intersection can go on one notification. If the excavation is at an intersection and continues down one street, then that information can go on one notification. If the excavation is at an intersection and continues down two streets, the second street requires another notification.
Provide accurate driving directions with distances and cardinal headings (North, South, East, West) when working in rural areas.

Manage Ticket Quantity

In addition to improving the quality of information you provide, we also ask that you manage the quantity of your requests.
For larger projects, the area noted on the request should be no more than what can be worked during the 20 working day period.
§37-15-4 (h) (Section 37-15-4) Except for those persons submitting design or survey locate requests, no person, including operators, shall request markings of a site unless excavation is scheduled to commence. In addition, no person shall make repeated requests for remarking, unless the repeated request is required for excavating to continue or due to circumstances not reasonably within the control of the person.

Give Sufficient Notice & Eliminate Unnecessary Requests

It’s important that you request utility locates with sufficient notice to be marked, but not more than you can reasonably begin within the life of the ticket.
Too many tickets at once can put a strain on the system and keep locators from getting to more time-sensitive sites. So, avoid requesting “backup” sites to be marked, or creating “just in case” tickets.
Active tickets should match the actual schedule of the work being performed and follow the requirements in your state dig law.
Indicate the Date and Time you plan to start the work. It is very important not to begin work prior to the legal start date and time. The legal start date and time is two working days, not counting the day of notification, after the notification was made based on proposed date of excavation. “Working Day” is a 24-hour period commencing the beginning of the start of the next working day from the time of receipt of the notification, excluding Saturday, Sunday and the nine holidays outlined in the Alabama Code Title §37 Chapter 15 Section 1-11 Underground Damage Prevention Legislation.
Notification of excavation can be up to 10 working days prior to the start of excavation and up to 30 working days prior to demolition.
Locate information is dispatched to the member underground facility operators. The member underground facility owners, or their representatives, will mark their buried facility by the legal due date and time.

Remove Completed Requests

Avoid locate renewals and remarks on jobs that have been completed.
Often locate requests are updated or refreshed long after work has been finished.
This causes locators to spend time marking inactive job sites when they could be marking active ones.
§37-15-4 (h) No person shall make repeated requests for remarking, unless
the repeated request is required for excavating to continue or due to circumstances not reasonably within the control of the person.

MANAGE TICKETS

811 Tips for facility owners and operators

811 Tips for Facility Owners & Operators

The 811 System can only work efficiently when we work together

The role of the Facility Owner/Operator is vital to the Damage Prevention Industry. Most of your responsibility involves locating and marking lines. Whether you do this yourself or hire a locate partner, be sure to watch this video for ways to make the process more efficient.

INFOGRAPHIC

FACILITY OWNER/OPERATORS & LOCATE PARTNERS CAN HELP

Damage Prevention Starts Early

Accurately Record Where Cable/Wires are First Placed

Locating & Marking

Implement Software/Utilize Online Portals
Look for New Ways to Improve Efficiency/Accuracy
Provide On-Time Response & Accurate Locates
Make Marking Highly Visible, Factor in Weather/Terrain
Provide Good Contact Information
Keep Mapping Data Up to Date

Foster Relationships & Partnerships

Keep Good Lines of Communication with Other Stakeholders

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

2022 Annual Membership Meeting

Annual Membership Meeting

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 @ 1PM

This meeting will conduct business including selection of General Members Board seat, annual financial report, and annual operations report.

Planning a planting project

Planning for a planting project

Are you ready to plant a tree?

Trees are a great addition to any landscape. They raise property values, decrease respiratory diseases, lower cooling bills, reduce stormwater runoff, provide wildlife food and habitat, etc.

There are several variables to consider before even breaking ground.

Step 1

Choose the Right Tree

Plant a tree in a place where it has room to grow to maturity. Consider the distance it will be from other trees, built structures, and sidewalks. Always consider the mature size of the tree and be aware of above or below-ground utility lines.

Step 1

Step 2

Choose a Suitable Location

Planting a tree wherever you find pleasing may not be the best place. Choose a location that will allow for adequate drainage to prevent the rotting of the roots. Also consider the type of soil, the amount of sunlight the location provides, and the size of the space. Be sure to account for tree and root growth. If you plant too close to your home, it could damage the foundation.

Step 2

Step 3

Choose the Right Time to Plant

According to Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M & Auburn University) -- The best times to plant in Alabama, especially for balled and burlapped or bare-root trees, are fall and winter. Planting in fall or early winter reduces planting stress and water needs compared to planting in warmer seasons.

Step 3

Step 4

Contact 811 / Locate Utilities

The last thing you want to do when planting a tree is accidentally digging into an underground utility.

Protect yourself and underground utilities -- Contact 811 before you do any digging to have your local providers come out to locate and mark any utilities on your property.

Step 4

Step 5

Time to Dig

If there are utility lines in the area, be sure to use hand tools when within 18" of the utility marks (paint and/or flags), and dig carefully.

The hole should only be dug as deep as the root ball. This might be shallower than it appears in the container. To find the proper depth, locate the root flare (the area where the trunk tapers out to meet the lateral roots). You may need to brush off excess soil from the top of the root ball to find the root flare.

Step 5

Step 6

Place & Straighten Tree

Pick the tree up by its root mass and place it in the center of the hole. Walk around the tree to check that it looks straight from all angles. Once everything looks good, it's time to fill the hole.

Step 6

Step 7

Fill the Hole

Replace the soil you dug out of the hole a little at a time, alternating with water to help fill in any air pockets. Don’t pack the soil down. Let it settle with the water. Do not add any compost or fertilizer to the hole. Use only what you dug out. If there are large chunks of soil, it’s best to keep them intact.

Be sure to water thoroughly to soak the planting hole.

After the water soaks in a bit, add a layer of mulch around the tree three to four inches deep.

Step 7

Step 8

Follow-up Care

At first, your tree will need frequent watering to overcome the stress of planting. Check soil moisture daily and water the root ball whenever it seems dry more than a few inches deep.

After two months, the tree should be sending roots out into the native soil, so water a wider area. During dry weather, most new trees will need water at least once a week for the first two years. After that, you can begin to water only during severe droughts. Mature trees do fine with less frequent, deeper soakings.

Step 8

Additional Growing Tips & Info:

Now that your tree is in the ground, keep a close eye on it to determine if you should increase or decrease its water. If leaves are falling off, the tree may need attention. Feel the soil around the tree and water more often if it feels too dry and water less often if it’s too moist. Be sure to water slowly and thoroughly to saturate the soil in order to reach the root system.

If needed, support the tree with stakes. When your tree is mature enough, be sure to remove the stakes.

Remove broken branches, but otherwise give the tree a year or two before you do any pruning, as it needs as many leaves as possible to manufacture food.

Use tree wraps only on young trees during the winter to protect tender bark from cold damage. They can harbor insects if left on during the growing season.

First time 811 users

First Time 811 Users

As a first-time user of 811, the following is information you will need to know when excavating near buried facilities.

Notified member companies will mark their underground lines with a designated color using spray paint or flags if their facilities are in conflict with the proposed excavation site. It is always good to check the facility owner response on the al811.com website to verify if all utilities have been marked or are not in conflict. The following is a list of each color code and the utility they represent:

Once the lines have been marked, state law requires that you do not dig within 18 inches on either side of the facility markings. This is known as the safety or “tolerance” zone.

If you do have to dig within the safety or “tolerance” zone, state law requires that you use “non-invasive” methods. This is commonly considered to be hand digging or use of technology known as “vacuum excavating”. When digging within the tolerance zone it is critical to use care and caution.

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. Marks may 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 marking notations may 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.

EXCAVATION MANUAL

Alabama 811 member utilities will mark their facilities FREE of charge. The locate request you just placed is a FREE service. By using 811, our member utilities will mark the lines that belong to them, which include any facilities in the right of way of a property or up to the meter at the house or building.

NOTE:

Most people are excavating in the right of way or in the area where the utility owns the lines. However, if you are working around lines past the meter, these are considered service lines and are “owned” by the property owner, not the utility. This would include water lines from the meter to the house or a gas service line from the meter to a backyard grill, etc. If you will be working in those areas and find you need these service lines located in addition to what has been marked by the utilities through the 811 service, there are locating companies who can locate them for you. There may be a fee associated with them doing this. Remember, there is no charge for the request you have placed with Alabama 811.

Responses can be viewed in real-time via the Find Locate Request link on the Alabama 811 WebPortal.

Visit www.https://geocall.al811.com/geocall/portal
Select Find Locate Request, enter your locate request ticket number in the search box and click search.
Your locate request ticket will be shown on the right side of the screen.
Scroll to the bottom of the locate request ticket to view the actions posted for each participating member utility company.

The WebPortal is available 24/7!

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.

If you talked directly to our office, the 811 agent should have given you the date for when the locate request should be marked and how long the request is good for.

The law requires a minimum of 2 to a maximum of 10 working day notice, not counting the day of notification, for excavation projects. This is to allow time for the facility owners to mark their lines. A locate request is good for 20 working days. State law requires that if you are working past the 20 working days, you need to update your request to ensure the utilities know that you are still working around their lines. Keep your reference number available, as this is proof of your notifying the utilities and complying with the state law.

If the notification period notice should expire and a particular utility has not been located, we suggest you call us back with your reference number so that we can send out a second notice to that utility requesting them to mark ASAP. This is for your protection.

CHECK TICKET STATUS

Reasons homeowners don’t contact 811, and why they should

Reasons homeowners don't contact 811
& why they should

Damages to critical underground infrastructure caused due to failure to contact 811 have plagued gas, water, electric, and other utilities for years. According to the Common Ground Alliance (CGA), the failure to call/contact 811 before excavation makes up at least one-quarter of the total reported damages. In 2020, failure to contact 811 to request a locate, was the largest individual root cause of damage, accounting for 31 percent of total reported damages, according to the CGA’s 2020 DIRT Report

5 Main reasons homeowners perform no call/contact excavations

1. They aren’t aware of 811

According to a CGA research report, half of the respondents say they are aware of a free national phone number and service that people can contact to have underground utility lines marked prior to starting a digging project. While this is the largest amount of awareness to date, it also means that half of the general public isn’t aware of the message “Know what’s below, 811 before you dig”. Current strategies and continued focus on finding new, innovative ways to promote 811 and reduce damages are clearly working.

2. They aren’t aware of possible consequences

When it comes to hitting an underground utility, the list of potential negative consequences includes property damage, interruption of critical services, and even serious injury or fatalities.

Many people don’t consider that hitting a utility can disrupt service to a neighborhood or community. Or even the possibility of damaging a pressurized gas main, which can fuel an explosion large enough to destroy an entire neighborhood.

3. They think 811 is just for excavators

Safe digging is everyone’s responsibility — 811 is NOT just for excavators. If you are doing work that requires digging, it is your responsibility to contact 811. If you have hired a professional to do some work for you, it is their responsibility to contact 811.

811 will then notify the participating utilities of the upcoming excavation work so they can locate and mark their underground facilities in advance to prevent possible damage to underground utility lines, injury, property damage, and service outages.

Remember, you or your contractor could potentially hit a utility that may leave people and students working from home without service to continue to work and/or study at home.

4. They think 811 isn’t needed for small projects

With the shallow depth of a project being a top reason active diggers say they did not request to have underground utility lines marked (40% according to CGA), messaging should emphasize the potential for utility damage even from shallow digging.

Unintentionally striking a line can result in inconvenient outages for entire neighborhoods, harm to yourself or your neighbors, and repair costs.

5. They think there will be delays

The required wait time is 2 working days (excluding notification day) for members to clear or mark the dig site.

After waiting the allotted time and confirming the lines have been marked, safe excavation work can begin.

The best way to avoid damaging your utilities and risking injury or loss of service is to contact 811 a few days before digging to learn the approximate location of buried lines in the area of your project. Also, according to a recent Common Ground Alliance survey, 45 percent of people who plan to dig this year will not contact 811 first, despite there being 100 billion feet of utility lines buried underground in the United States.

No matter how large or small, every digging project warrants a call to 811. Installing a mailbox, building a deck, and planting a tree or garden are all examples of digging projects that should only begin a few days after making a call to 811.

What’s the difference between public and private utilities?

What's the difference between
Private and Public Utilities?

Many people believe that public utilities owners are responsible for marking all the way up to the house or property. This is a common misconception that can lead to dangerous outcomes.

Understanding the difference between public and private utilities can be tricky. Here are some real-life examples.

We’re here to help you determine what steps to take if you think there is a private utility in your dig area.

What is a Public Utility?

A public utility is owned by a company or organization that provides essential services.

Public utilities typically include:

Electricity
Water
Gas, oil, Steam
Communications/TV/Internet
Sewer

The public utility companies are responsible for maintaining their underground facilities. Part of that responsibility includes registering the utilities with 811 and locating in the public right-of-way, and easement to include private property.

What is a Private Utility?

A private utility is owned and maintained by the property owner. Private utilities are not registered with 811. It is the excavator’s or property owners’ responsibility to have these utilities located at their own expense.

Private utilities include:

Sprinkler or irrigation systems
Electric running to a detached garage or shop
Lines connected to a propane tank or septic system
Gas lines under for grills and outdoor fire pits
Electric dog fence

Not so obvious examples of private utilities:

Water – Customer owns water line from the meter, property line, or stop box to the building.
Sewer – Customer owns sewer laterals from the tap at the sewer main into the structure, or from the property line into the home depending upon the region.
Gas – Customer owns all gas pipes after the meter.
Electric – Customer owns all electric wires after the meter
Phone and Cable – Customer owns service wire(s) from the backside of the protector or demarcation point.

Many people believe that public utilities owners are responsible for marking all the way up to the house or property. This is a common misconception that can lead to dangerous outcomes.

Tips for working around private utilities:

Keep in mind that private utilities are likely in your dig area.
Communicate with the public utilities to see where they will mark up to.
Budget for a private locate to be performed, this cost can vary.
Document the private locate marking with photos.

Private Locate Companies in Alabama

USIC
Alabama Utility Protection – (205) 237-8888

What is a Positive Response

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.

How Do I View the Responses?

Responses can be viewed in real-time via the Find Locate Request link on the Alabama 811 WebPortal.

Visit https://geocall.al811.com/geocall/portal
Select Find Locate Request, enter your locate request ticket number in the search box and click search.
Your locate request ticket will be shown on the right side of the screen.
Scroll to the bottom of the locate request ticket to view the actions posted for each participating member utility company.

The WebPortal is available 24/7!

How Do I Submit Responses?

Alabama 811 members can submit responses through Alabama 811’s WebPortal –
KorWeb ticket management software, or 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. Please contact Jennifer Pickle for more info: jpickle@al811.com or 205.731.3210

What Type of Responses Can Be Submitted?

The following are the different response actions to select from when responding:

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

FREE - Alabama 811 Mobile App

Get fast and easy access to many resources for facility operators, excavators, and homeowners directly from your mobile device!

Download our FREE Mobile App

After Contacting 811 – homeowners

AFTER CONTACTING 811

HOMEOWNERS

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.

PROPERTY ACCESS

You do not have to be home, but please be sure all pets are put away, and ensure the locators have access to the property to mark the area where digging will take place.

WHEN CAN I DIG?

Once you have confirmed all the utilities at your dig site have been marked, and the 2-10 full working/business days have passed.

UTILITY RESPONSES

How do I know what 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.

What is a positive response?

Positive response is how member utility companies communicate with excavators about the status of the ticket. It 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

How do I know what 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.

What is a positive response?

An online positive response will be provided by the utility (HERE – click “find locate request”). 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.

UTILITY MARKINGS

What do the different colored markings on the ground mean?

UTILITY MARKINGS

What do the different colored markings on the ground mean?

PRIVATE UTILITIES

What are private utilities?

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 marks private utilities and is there a cost?

There are fees for private utility markings. A quick search online should result in a number of private locating companies in your area and most plumbing companies offer private locating upon request. 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.

UTILITY COMPANIES HAVE NOT RESPONDED.

If there is no Positive Response, simply dial 811 or 1.800.292.8525, to process a locate ticket to notify utility companies to locate their lines ASAP. Some lines may not be marked because they are private.

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW TO DIG SAFELY.

Why should I dig with hand tools around a marked facility?

It is the responsibility of the person digging to avoid damaging marked lines. APWA and several industries accepted best practices set 18″ on either side of the marked utility as a reasonable Tolerance Zone. Within that zone it is recommended that hand digging or other acceptable method be used to locate the exact location of the utility before more extensive excavation is started.

What is a Tolerance Zone/Margin?

A Tolerance Zone/Margin is the amount of space adjacent to a utility line.

In Alabama, the Tolerance Zone/Margin is half the width of the utility line, plus a minimum of 18 inches, on each side of the outer edge of the line.

If digging must take place within the Tolerance Zone, you must use hand tools, until you can see the line, before using ANY power or mechanical equipment

Why should I dig with hand tools around a marked facility?

What is a Tolerance Zone/Margin?

A Tolerance Zone/Margin is the amount of space adjacent to a utility line.

In Alabama, the Tolerance Zone/Margin is half the width of the utility line, plus a minimum of 18 inches, on each side of the outer edge of the line.

If digging must take place within the Tolerance Zone, you must use hand tools, until you can see the line, before using ANY power or mechanical equipment

IMPORTANCE OF YOUR TICKET NUMBER

Your ticket number is helpful to have if you need your worksite remarked or if you need to make any changes, and it also serves as proof that you contacted 811 before digging.

MY 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.

10.

REPORT DAMAGES

What do I do if I damaged/exposed a line?

Stop digging and contact 811 to process a damage ticket.

If you suspect the release of any gas or liquid as a result of the damage, follow the steps found in the link in step 11 – “What to do if there’s a gas or other hazardous materials leak?”

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.

11.

WHAT TO DO IF THERE’S A GAS or OTHER HAZARDOUS MATERIALS LEAK

What do I do if there’s a product release?

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.

What do I do there’s a gas leak?

Stop working and immediately leave the area of the leak.

Do not turn electrical appliances or lights on or off or use any device that could generate a spark.

Do not use your cell phone or a landline. If you are currently on a landline, do not hang up.

Do not smoke, make a spark, or flame.

Do not start your car engine or any mechanized equipment.

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.

12.

FAQ’s

Responses can be viewed in real-time via the Find Locate Request link on the Alabama 811 WebPortal.

Visit www.https://geocall.al811.com/geocall/portal
Select Find Locate Request, enter your locate request ticket number in the search box and click search.
Your locate request ticket will be shown on the right side of the screen.
Scroll to the bottom of the locate request ticket to view the actions posted for each participating member utility company.

The WebPortal is available 24/7!

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

National Safe Digging Month

Please help us spread the Safe Digging Message!

Toolkit & Assets

Images + Infographics

Social Media & Messaging

Website Banners

Videos

“Don’t Risk it”

“Avoid damages to underground utilities”

“Do you know what the colors mean?”

“Don’t risk it”

Feel free to use or post links to the following articles:

811 Tips for Excavators

The 811 System can only work efficiently when we work together

Ways You Can Help

Provide Quality Information

Be sure to provide accurate and detailed information when starting a ticket

Be Specific About Location & Dimensions

Give Good Contact Name & Phone #

Be sure to provide accurate and detailed information when starting a ticket

Give Accurate Description of Work Being Performed

Manage Ticket Quantity

Give Sufficient Notice & Eliminate Unnecessary Requests

Remove Completed Requests

811 Tips for Facility Owners & Operators

The 811 System can only work efficiently when we work together

FACILITY OWNER/OPERATORS & LOCATE PARTNERS CAN HELP

Damage Prevention Starts Early

Accurately Record Where Cable/Wires are First Placed

Locating & Marking

Foster Relationships & Partnerships

Annual Membership Meeting

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 @ 1PM

Planning for a planting project

Are you ready to plant a tree?

Choose the Right Tree

Choose a Suitable Location

Choose the Right Time to Plant

Contact 811 / Locate Utilities

Time to Dig

Place & Straighten Tree

Fill the Hole

Follow-up Care

Additional Growing Tips & Info:

First Time 811 Users

As a first-time user of 811, the following is information you will need to know when excavating near buried facilities.

Once the lines have been marked, state law requires that you do not dig within 18 inches on either side of the facility markings. This is known as the safety or “tolerance” zone.

If you talked directly to our office, the 811 agent should have given you the date for when the locate request should be marked and how long the request is good for.

Reasons homeowners don't contact 811 & why they should

5 Main reasons homeowners perform no call/contact excavations

1. They aren’t aware of 811

2. They aren’t aware of possible consequences

3. They think 811 is just for excavators

4. They think 811 isn’t needed for small projects

5. They think there will be delays

What's the difference between Private and Public Utilities?

What is a Public Utility?

Public utilities typically include:

What is a Private Utility?

Private utilities include:

Not so obvious examples of private utilities:

Tips for working around private utilities:

What is a Positive Response?

How Do I View the Responses?

How Do I Submit Responses?

FREE - Alabama 811 Mobile App

AFTER CONTACTING 811

HOMEOWNERS

Thank you for contacting 811.

PROPERTY ACCESS

WHEN CAN I DIG?

UTILITY RESPONSES

How do I know what utilities have responded?

What is a positive response?

How do I know what utilities have responded?

What is a positive response?

UTILITY MARKINGS

UTILITY MARKINGS

PRIVATE UTILITIES

What are private utilities?

Reasons homeowners don't contact 811
& why they should

What's the difference between
Private and Public Utilities?