Best Practices 30 Day Review

PROPOSED MODIFICATION TO PRACTICE 5-1 

5.1 811 Facility Locate Request

Practice Statement:

The excavator requests the location of underground facilities at each site by notifying the facility owner/operator through the 811 center.  Unless otherwise specified in state/provincial law, the excavator contacts the 811 center and requests an excavation start date, which is to be at least two full working days, but not more than fourteen full working days from the date of notice to the 811 center.

Practice Description:

Currently 50 states and 5 Canadian provinces have one call legislation and/or established 811 centers recognizing that excavation performed without prior notification poses a risk to public safety, excavators, and the environment, and can disrupt vital services provided by facility operators.  Increased participation in this one call system provides for improved communication between excavators and facility operators necessary to reduce damage.

References:

 •    Existing state laws, including Ohio and West Virginia

PROPOSED MODIFICATION TO PRACTICE 8-3 

8.3 Target Audiences and Needs

Practice Statement:

An effective damage prevention education program includes identification of target audiences with consideration for the principles of individuals’ diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Practice Description:

Identification of target audiences ensures maximum impact for the Dig Safely message.  The following target audiences are identified as examples:

• Professional designers
• Surveyors
• Equipment suppliers, distributors, and rental companies
• Construction management officials
• Excavation equipment operators
• Excavation equipment rental stores
• Excavators
• Public works excavators
• Locators
• Railroads
• Participating facility owners/operators
• Non-participating facility owners/operators (i.e., not one call members)
• Agricultural industry members
• Public officials
• Planning, zoning, licensing, permitting, and code enforcement officials
• Public utility board members
• Homeowners and associations
• Schools
• Landscape companies
• Geotechnical and environments soil testing laboratories
• Insurance industry members
• Marine operators
• Children
• Property owners/tenants
• Emergency responders/local emergency planning committee members
• News media

When target audiences are identified, their specific educational and communication needs can be more readily addressed.  This helps identify which media (e.g., free advertising, advertising, brochure, meal meetings, handouts, door hangers, yard cards, etc.) can most effectively be used to deliver the message.  This also facilitates customization of the message itself.  Coordination with other strategic partners can assist in reaching the greatest number of people.

References:

• Various 811 centers including AL, AZ, CO, CT, GA, FL, ID, IL, IA, KY, MS, MO, NM, NY (City), NC, OK, OH, OR, TX, VA, WV, and WI
• NUCA and various NUCA state chapters
• API, INGAA, and AGA member companies
• Associated General Contractors (AGC) chapters
• Door hangers from TCS Communications, LLC, of Florida
• Yard cards from Ohio Utilities Protection Service