Nevada homeowners and contractors are being reminded to call 811 before starting any digging project as August 11th, recognized as 811 Day, approaches.
The Public Utilities Commission of Nevada is urging anyone planning to excavate to request underground utility line markings at least two working days before digging. Residents can call the statewide 811 "Call Before You Dig" hotline or submit a request online through USA North.
State regulations require contractors to obtain a dig ticket before using mechanical equipment or hand tools for excavation. Non-contractors must also obtain a dig ticket when using mechanical equipment or when digging more than 12 inches deep with hand tools. The commission said it is good practice for everyone to request a dig ticket before excavating, regardless of depth.
A national survey found that 68% of Americans expect to take on a do-it-yourself project involving digging within the next year, but 27.2 million of them will not contact 811 beforehand. The commission said failing to do so can put people, their neighbors and essential utility services at risk.
About one underground gas line is damaged each day in Nevada. Digging without knowing where underground utilities are located can result in serious injuries, service outages and costly repairs. Accidentally striking gas, electric, communications, water or sewer lines can disrupt homes and businesses, and the commission noted that summer is a peak season for home improvement projects.
Calling 811 is free. Requests are handled by USA North, Nevada's 811 call center, which notifies the appropriate utility companies. Professional locators then mark the approximate locations of underground lines with flags, temporary paint or both before excavation begins.
The commission said utility line depths can vary because of erosion, previous digging projects and uneven ground. Even shallow digging or digging in a previously marked area can still pose a risk of striking an underground utility line.
If a natural gas pipeline is damaged and gas is escaping, the commission said the most important steps are to immediately stop work, evacuate the area, call 911 from a safe location and contact the utility operator.
Nevada laws and codes require excavators to follow those steps and prohibit them from operating any valve or other device owned by a utility.
Additional information about safe digging procedures is available from Call 811, USA North, and the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada.
