Posted on April 5, 2017
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
April is National Safe Digging Month, and NIPSCO officials remind customers and contractors to pick up the phone before they pick up a shovel. A call to 811 at least two days before the start of any digging project will give utility locators time to find and mark buried underground utilities.
Failure to locate lines can result in damage to gas, electric, communications, water and sewer lines, which in turn can lead to serious injuries and service disruptions.
Additionally not calling 811 could result in fines of up to $10,000 along with repair costs for any damages incurred.
NIPSCO officials urge anyone with plans for an outdoor project involving digging to call 811 or enter a request online at www.811NOW.com two business days before the start of any project. The service is always available, but advance notice is required in order to schedule. Avoid staring projects until you’re sure all lines are marked. 811 will read a list of companies that should respond.
If the original planned project is near utility line markings, choose another spot on the property for the project. Also if your planned excavation is within two feet of any marked facility use hand tools for digging. If vacuum excavation must be used, be extremely careful.
Confirm that any contractors you are using have called 811 prior to starting a project. Do not allow them to begin if lines are not marked. NIPSCO officials say it is safe to begin digging carefully around accurately marked areas after a site has been marked.
Visit https://www.nipsco.com/stay-safe/gas-safety/digging-safety-call-811 for more information and safety tips.
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