Utility Locating Texas - Utility Locating Headquarters

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Utility Locating Texas

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Utility Locating Headquarters is the premiere resource for Locating Underground Utilities and Damage Prevention.

Texas 811 800-344-8377www.texas811.org Hours: 24 hours Advance Notice: 48 hours Marks Valid: 14 working daysClick here to see state laws on the One Call site

Lone Star Notification Center 800-669-8344www.lsnconecall.com Hours: 24 hours, 7days Advance Notice: 2 working days, but not more than 14 days Marks Valid: 14 working daysClick here to see state laws on the One Call site

DisclaimerWe have done our best to make sure that the information below is correct, but due to laws that are subject to change - Utility Locating Headquarters is not responsible for incorrect or missing information. Please contact the one-call center for current information.

STATE INFO

TICKETS

Fax Tickets

Online Tickets

STATE LAWS & PROVISIONS

Coverage Statewide

Civil Penalties

Emergency Clause

Utility Locating Texas - Utility Locating Headquarters

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Mandatory Membership

Excavator Permits Issued

Mandatory Premarks

Positive Response

Hand Dig Clause

Damage Reporting

EXEMPTIONS

DOT

Homeowner

Railroad

Agriculture

Depth 16"

NOTIFICATIONS ACCEPTED

Damage

Design

Emergency

Overhead

TOLERANCE ZONE

Dimensions *See Below Notes

SPECIAL NOTES

*18" Plus Half The Diameter Of The Pipelne From The Outside Edge Of Either Side Of The Pipeline

**N/A

Terms/DefinitionsStatewide CoverageIn some states, there are multiple One-Call Centers, and in those instances they both have coverage within the same state.

Damage ReportingIf any contact with or damage to any pipe, cable, or its protective covering, or any other underground facility occurs, the excavator causing the contact or damage shall cease excavation and immediately notify the state’s 811 call center and the facility owner. The call center will notify the facility owner(s) (in addition to the excavator notifying the owner) if the facility damage could impact the general public in dealing with hazardous materials or volatile or dangerous facilities like electric or gas.

It's up the excavator to notify all appropriate emergency response entities. It's important to notify the One-Call Center when a facility becomes exposed, impacted, changed or modified to ensure that prior to burial of that facility it is restored and in good condition. Several disasters around the nation have occurred because minor nicks, cuts or scrapes to facilities were not reported. It might not appear to be important at the time, but as years go by and as a facility deteriorates, a catastrophe can happen.

We suggest you also contact the utility owner directly because often, due to additional requirements on their industry, they need additional information beyond just the locate site.

Utility Locating Texas - Utility Locating Headquarters

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Hand Dig clauseWhile digging inside the safety zone - cautiously expose the underground facilities by hand before using power equipment.

Mandatory MembershipSome states do not currently require mandatory membership in the state’s 811 program. When it is not required the facility owners are given the option to either participate in state’s 811 or have an in-house program that meets some of the same operational requirements.

Whether they are members or are not of the state’s 811 - excavators are still required to notify all underground facility owners 2 working days prior to start of excavation and otherwise comply with state laws.

Excavator Permits IssuedIssue permits before excavators are allowed to dig.

Notifications AcceptedIn an emergency situation where an excavator discovers or causes damage to a subsurface installation - he shall notify the operator and the One-Call Center. If the damage results in the escape of any flammable, toxic or corrosive gas or liquid or endangers life, health or property, the excavator responsible immediately notifies 911 and the facility-owner/operator. The excavator takes reasonable measures to protect themselves and those in immediate danger, public, property and the environment until the facility owner/operator or emergency. Notifications for design and overhead are accepted as well in some states.

Mandatory Premarks (Whitelining)Delineation of the proposed excavation site is mandatory in some states. Mark the area to be excavated with water soluble or chalk based white paint on paved surfaces or with other suitable markings such as flags or stakes on unpaved areas.

Advance NoticeState laws can differ, but most require that you must wait two working days (up to 14 working days for some states) after notification is made to allow time for the locate request to be acted upon. For example, if notification is made on Monday at 8:00 a.m., your excavation could begin on Wednesday at 8:00 a.m.

However, if after that two working day notice has expired, it is recommended you check to ensure that all visible signs of potentially buried utilities indicate that all lines have been marked. If there are signs of buried facilities that have not been located, we suggest that you initiate a second call to your state 811 so that the locate request can be sent back out to the member facility owners letting them know that all lines have not been marked.

Positive ResponseIn most states, it means the underground facility owner communicates directly to the excavator, or through the one call center - the current status of their locate request.

Civil PenaltiesWhen a state entity or government agency enforces and issues civil fines to parties that are responsible (ie utility company, excavator, locating company, etc.) for failure to comply with the state’s One Call law. For instance, not calling 811 prior to beginning a digging project, or not locating in the appropriate amount of time are some examples.

ExemptionsThese vary from state to state, but if a state has exemptions - they typically fall into 5 categories: 1) DOT - Department of Transportation exemption from being a member with state one call center, 2) Depth - Vertical excavation limit, 3) H/O - Homeowner exemption from calling for locates, 4) R/R - Railroad exemption from being a member with state one call center, 5) AGR- Agriculture exemption from calling for locates.

Emergency ClauseIn the case of an emergency (typically defined as a threat to life, health, property or public service), an excavator may excavate as needed to minimize any pending threat, but should notify the utilities as soon as possible before commencing any major repairs.

Tolerance ZoneAll states, have a law that requires excavators to observe a tolerance zone for safety reasons. For most states, it will be between eighteen inches to 24 inches on each side of a marked utility line. While digging inside the safety zone proceed cautiously with non-invasive equipment. If you encounter a rigid object, carefully clear away the soil to determine what you've reached. Do not use your hands to clear away the soil. For maximum safety, use an insulated object.

Marks Valid ForThis varies for each state, but generally marks are good for 14 days. If marks need to be refreshed, call 811 Call Center at least two business days before the 14 calendar day period has expired. To speed up the process, have your ticket number available when making the call.

Utility Locating Texas - Utility Locating Headquarters

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