Press Release

PUC Recognizes National 811 Day & Safe Digging Efforts

Published on 8/11/2022

Filed under: Electric Gas Pipeline Telecommunications Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is highlighting the importance of “Safe Digging” awareness and education on August 11^th, or 8/11 – which is National 811 Day.

Calling 8-1-1 before any excavation project is a key first step toward ensuring the safety of workers and bystanders, as well as helping to prevent damage to essential utility systems.

“We all play a collective role in ensuring the safety of excavation projects,” noted PUC Vice Chairman John F. Coleman Jr. “Safe digging begins with ensuring that the Pennsylvania One Call system is contacted at least three business days before any excavation so underground utilities in the project area can be properly located and marked before work begins.”

Every time an underground utility line is hit, there is a risk to the contractors or homeowners who are doing the digging; to utility workers and emergency responders who are mobilized to deal with the damage; and to bystanders who live, work or travel near the locations of the incidents.

PA One Call Law

State law requires contractors and residents to contact PA One Call at least three business days prior to excavation – triggering alerts to all utilities within an intended digging area and prompting utilities to mark where their facilities are located. Pennsylvanians can dial 8-1-1 to connect with the One Call system, while out-of-state residents or businesses can call 1-800-242-1776.

The Damage Prevention Committee and Safety Education

The PUC’s Damage Prevention Committee (DPC) works to enforce the state’s One Call Law, with a focus on education and public awareness, along with the investigation of violations.

Nearly 80% of the entities that come before the DPC are involved in “first time” incidents, further underscoring the importance of awareness and education.

Free resources are available from the PA 1 Call system to help excavators better understand their responsibilities under the One Call Law – which can also be helpful for homeowners or businesses hiring contractors or working on their own projects. Additionally, PA 1 Call regularly holds educational events across the state.

About the PUC

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

Visit the PUC’s website at www.puc.pa.gov for recent news releases and video of select proceedings. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. Search for the “Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission” or “PA PUC” on your favorite social media channel for updates on utility issues and other helpful consumer information.

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Contact:

• Nils Hagen-Frederiksen
  Press Secretary
  717-418-2701
  nhagen-fre@pa.gov