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| Remember: Utility depth can change over time |
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| Think you don’t need to rely on the 811 service because you already know the location of buried utilities in your dig area or because your excavation project requires only shallow digging? Making the wrong assumptions about utility depth could set you up to cause dangerous and costly utility damage. |
| To order our FREE safety kit, visit the LG&E, KU and ODP e‑SMARTworkers website. |
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| Just because you or your company may have successfully located underground utilities in the past does not mean you can predict the location and depth of those same utilities today. Human activities such as landscaping can increase the depth of buried utility lines. Natural events such as wind, rain and landslides can decrease utility depth by shifting and eroding soil. Prior excavations and agricultural activities can also impact utility depth. |
| Regardless of what you think you know about the buried lines in your dig area, always notify 811 to have underground utilities located and marked before you dig. |
| Keep in mind not only that utility depth can shift over time but also that 811 locates are “depth blind.” After lines have been marked, you must hand dig “potholes” to visually verify the location of all marked utility lines in your dig area. |
| Regardless of your excavation project type or size, remember: |
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Do not let prior locates pre-empt future locates. |
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Always call 811 before you dig. |
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Wait your state’s required time for utility lines to be marked before you dig. |
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Practice proper excavation techniques, including hand digging, to visually verify marked lines. |
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Know what to do if you contact a buried utility. |
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Backfill excavated areas properly to support buried utility lines and protect against soil erosion. |
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| Always contact your state 811 center before digging and for the most current requirements. |
| Would you like to know more? |
| Additional utility safety tips, case studies, instructional videos and educational tools can all be found, at no charge to you, on the LG&E, KU and ODP e‑SMARTworkers website. |
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