PUC Recognizes National “811 Day”
Stresses Importance of Calling 8-1-1 Before Starting Any Digging Project
HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is highlighting the importance of safe digging awareness and education in conjunction with the upcoming celebration of “National 811 Day,” which is on August 11th, or 8/11.
“From property owners to excavators to utilities, we all play a key role in ensuring the safety of excavation projects,” said PUC Commissioner John F. Coleman Jr. “Calling 8-1-1 before starting any type of excavation project is an essential first step – helping to ensure public safety while preventing expensive or dangerous damage to underground utilities.”
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 and underground facility owners within an intended digging area and prompting utilities to mark where their facilities …