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| You may already know that state law requires you to notify the 811 service before you dig so you can avoid damaging underground utility lines at your job site. But do you know exactly how many days in advance you are required to notify 811 and whether you must pre-mark the proposed excavation site before 811 locators arrive? |
Order our FREE worker safety training kit on the NW Natural
e-SMARTworkers website. |
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| Notify 811 Before You Dig |
State-mandated notification timeframes and marking requirements vary. Below are some important tips to follow in Oregon and Washington. Always contact your state 811 center before digging and for the most current requirements. |
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Notify your state's 811 center at least two full business days before you dig, excluding weekends and legal holidays. |
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Dial 811 or place an online locate request: |
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Before you notify your state's 811 center, you must pre-mark your proposed dig area with white paint. |
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Preserve the marks as you work, and request a re-mark before they expire. Marks expire after 45 days. |
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| Emergency Exceptions |
| Of course, if you must respond to an emergency such as a broken water main or other threat to life, health, property or essential services, you can request an urgent locate that will be marked as soon as possible. |
| Would You Like to Know More? |
| Additional utility safety tips, case studies, instructional videos, and training tools can all be found, at no charge to you, on NW Natural's e-SMARTworkers website. |
| Free Online Excavation Safety Training |
| Now being offered — Excavation Safety 101 |
| This online course will strengthen your understanding of common safety issues as well
as educate you on laws and best practices for safe excavation. The course is designed
to take a minimum of 60 minutes to complete, although there is no maximum time limit.
Successful completion of Excavation Safety 101 with a 100% grade will earn you a
certificate, proving that you've completed the course and giving you a way to earn
continuing education credits. |
| The course is available to anyone. Simply create an account,
enroll in the course, and complete the material at your own pace. |
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| Please help us improve our safety tips to meet your training needs. Take our two-minute survey.
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