AdobeStock
April marks National Safe Digging Month, reminding Nevada residents to call 811 or place online requests two working days before beginning digging projects.
Senate Bill 27 requires contractors to obtain a dig ticket if using mechanical equipment or hand tools. Non-contractors also always need a dig ticket if excavating with mechanical equipment or digging more than 12 inches deep with hand tools.
However, it is good practice for everyone to call for a dig ticket whenever excavating regardless of depth. When calling 811, homeowners and contractors are connected to USA North, Nevada’s 811 call center.
USA North notifies the appropriate utility companies of the homeowner’s or contractor’s intent to dig. Professional locators are then sent to the requested dig site to mark the approximate locations of underground lines with flags, paint or both.
Homeowners are encouraged to take the following steps when planning a digging project:
• Call 811 a few days before digging, regardless of the depth or familiarity with the property
• Call on Monday or Tuesday for work planned for an upcoming weekend
• Confirm all lines have been marked
• Consider moving the location of your project if it is near utility line markings
• If a contractor has been hired, confirm the contractor has called 811. Don’t allow work to begin if the lines aren’t marked.
Calling 811 a few days before any planned home improvement projects that require digging – including common landscaping projects like planting trees and shrubs – is critical to preventing incidents like utility service outages and injuries.
For information, visit www.call811.com or www.puc.nv.gov. To place an online request, visit https://www.usanorth811.org/.