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| You probably already know state law requires you to notify 811 before you dig so that underground utility lines can be located and marked. But when should you notify 811? And how will the locator know where to find your proposed excavation area? Learn about notification time frames, pre-marking, and other requirements in your state. |
| Order our FREE worker safety kit on the Unitil e-SMARTworkers website. |
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| Notify 811 Before You Dig |
Below are some important tips to follow in the areas Unitil serves. Always contact your state 811 center before digging and for the most current requirements. |
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Notify Dig Safe® at least 72 hours before you dig, excluding weekends and legal holidays. |
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Dial 811 or place an online locate request at digsafe.com. |
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Pre-mark the boundaries of your proposed dig area. You must pre-mark physically (with white paint, flags, and/or stakes) before you contact the 811 service or virtually (where available through your 811 center) when making your locate request. |
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Preserve the marks as you work. If the marks are no longer visible, stop work and contact your 811 center to request a re-mark. In Maine, marks expire after 60 days, and in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, marks expire after 30 days. If your work must continue past the expiration date, be sure to request a re-mark. |
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If you must respond to an emergency—such as a broken water main or other threat to life, health, property, or essential public services—you can request an emergency locate that will be marked as soon as possible. |
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| Would You Like to Know More? |
| Additional utility safety tips, case studies, instructional videos, and educational tools can all be found, at no charge to you, on Unitil’s e-SMARTworkers website. |
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