Press Release

PUC Recognizes National “811 Day” and Stresses Importance of Safe Digging With Every Project

Published on 8/10/2023

Filed under: Electric Gas Pipeline Telecommunications Water and Wastewater

Calling 8-1-1 Before Starting Any Digging Project is an Essential Safety Step for Contractors and Those Working Around the Home

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

“Calling 8-1-1 before starting any type of excavation project is an essential first step – helping to ensure the safety of workers and bystanders, while also preventing expensive or dangerous damage to underground utilities,” noted PUC Commissioner John F. Coleman Jr. “As the national 811 program clearly states: Safety is in Your Hands. Every Dig. Every Time.”

Safe digging begins with ensuring that the Pennsylvania One Call system (PA One Call) 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.

Pennsylvania 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 PA One Call, while out-of-state residents or businesses can call 1-800-242-1776.

“No Calls” Put Everyone At Risk

According to data from the PUC’s Damage Prevention Committee, the failure of contractors or homeowners to contact 8-1-1 prior to excavation was the most common factor for hits on underground lines in Pennsylvania – and nationally, over 25% of all hits on underground lines are attributed to “no calls.”

“The simple act of picking up the telephone and calling 8-1-1 before the start of any excavation project can go a long way toward eliminating hundreds – or even thousands – of incidents every year,” Commissioner Coleman emphasized. “There’s still a lot of warm weather ahead of us, and plenty of projects going on across the state, so let’s work together to ensure that PA One Call is alerted and that utilities have an opportunity to mark their lines before any digging begins.”

The Damage Prevention Committee and Safety Education

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

Free resources are available from the PA One 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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