Preventing underground utility damages should be the primary concern prior to any excavation. This requires clear lines of communication between all parties involved. Starting with the individual needing excavation, the contractor doing the digging, and the locating company(s) responsible for locating utilities that may be present in the excavation area. Calling 811 (Diggers Hotline) is the first step in this process. This will ensure public utilities are accounted for and clearly marked. If you’re uncertain whether you have private utilities, Diggers Hotline can usually clear up any questions you have. You may also ask your contractor or call a private utility locating company and ask them yourself.
Utility damage prevention doesn’t just mean protecting the utilities themselves, but protecting the individuals involved on an excavation project. Electrical, gas, and water lines are potential hazards when damaged. This can put workers and the public in danger. When the correct steps leading up to excavation are taken, these issues can be avoided all together.
There are many benefits to accurately identifying and mapping underground utilities. Another would be cost. It’s very costly to repair a damaged utility. In fact, to have a private utility locate done, is a fraction of utility repair cost. Legal liability also plays a factor into damage prevention. Wisconsin is one of the many states that requires you to notify Diggers Hotline three days prior to excavation. Diggers Hotline a free service, digging without giving notification is against the law! Damaged utilities may also damage the environment in way of spills or leaks, contaminating the ground. All of these negative circumstances can be avoided by talking to a professional.
