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Everyone’s resources have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. You
can help prevent locate delays by pre-marking your proposed dig area in
white and notifying 811 of your planned excavation with as much lead time
as possible: up to 10 business days in Oregon and Washington. To learn
more about NW Natural’s response to COVID-19, click here. |
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| Safe Digging Laws |
| Review these tips with coworkers at your tailgate or toolbox meetings before work begins to
help avoid potential hazards when working near natural gas pipelines or other utility lines. |
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Order a free worker safety training kit on
NW Natural’s Worker Beware website. |
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| You probably already know that state law requires you to notify 811 before you dig so that
underground utility lines can be located and marked. But do you know exactly how many
days in advance of digging you are required to do this and whether you must pre-mark your
proposed excavation site to identify it for locators? |
| State-mandated notification timeframes and pre-marking requirements vary. Here are some
important tips to follow when making normal locate requests in the states that NW Natural serves. |
| Oregon |
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Call 811 or place an online request at least two
full business days but not more than 10
business days before you dig,
not counting the date that you notify 811,
weekends, and legal holidays. |
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Before you notify 811, you must clearly identify your proposed excavation site with white paint or flags or provide a clear description of the excavation area. |
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Do not dig until all underground utilities have
been marked or you are informed that none are
present. If you do not receive a response from
all utility operators by the deadline, we strongly
recommend that you call 811 for assistance
before you start to dig. |
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Hand dig or use other non-invasive methods
within the “tolerance zone.” This zone spans 24
inches, surrounding the outside dimensions of
all sides of an underground facility. |
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Maintain the marks as you work, and request a
re-mark before they expire if you need more time. Marks expire after 45 days. |
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| Washington |
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Call 811 or place an online request at least two
business days but not more than 10 business days before you dig,
not counting the date that you notify 811,
weekends, and legal holidays. |
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Before you notify 811, you must clearly identify your proposed excavation site with
white paint applied to the ground. |
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Do not dig until all underground utilities have been marked or you are informed that
none are present. Notify 811 if you see evidence of unmarked facilities or utilities have
not responded when the deadline passes. |
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Hand dig or use other non-invasive methods within the “tolerance zone,” a safety area
that spans 24 inches from the outside dimensions of both sides of an underground facility. |
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Maintain the marks as you work, and request a re-mark before they expire if you need more time. Marks
expire after 45 days. |
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| Emergency Exceptions |
| Of course, if you are responding to an emergency—such as a threat to life, health, property,
or essential public services, like a broken water main or sewer line—these requirements do
not apply. In this case, please notify 911 and call 811 as soon as possible to request
emergency locate assistance. |
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| 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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