Be Safe: Call Dig Safe

Now that the warmer weather is here and the long, snowy winter is behind us, homeowners and property managers are turning their attention to outdoor projects. Now is the time to build a deck or patio, install a swimming pool, put in a new mailbox, or plant trees and shrubs around the property. But before you dig, Wakefield Municipal Gas & Light Department General Manager Pete Dion reminds you to call Dig Safe, a communication network that helps excavators, contractors and property owners comply with a state law that requires that member utilities are notified of proposed excavation projects. This free service notifies utility companies like the WMGLD about your project so that you will know if any utility lines are buried where you want to dig. “Safe digging is everyone’s responsibility,” the General Manager said. “Digging can be dangerous if you don’t know where underground utilities are located. No project should be considered too small to report; in fact, state law requires excavators to use non-mechanical means when digging within 18" of a marked underground facility.” According to Dig Safe, the current depth of a utility might not be the same as when it was originally installed, due to soil erosion, grading and other factors. To ensure the safety of excavators and avoid utility disruption, homeowners and/or their contractors should dig by hand when working near an underground facility. Dig Safe is funded entirely by the member utility companies, including the WMGLD. All Massachusetts gas, electric, telephone, cable television, and water companies are required to participate. The process begins when the caller notifies Dig Safe about the project at 8-1-1 or 1-888-DIG-SAFE (1-888- 344-7233). Advance notice of at least 72 hours, or three business days, must be given. After providing the information, the caller is given a ticket number as proof of notification. The caller or their contractor must also pre-mark the area with flags, white paint or stakes to identify the boundaries of the project. After the call is made to Dig Safe, the call center sends the information to member utilities that own or maintain buried facilities in the excavation area. Dig Safe processes all requests on business days, Monday through Friday, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., not including holidays. Off-hour coverage is provided for emergency work only. Member utilities, or their contracted private locators, go to the site and use paint, stakes or flags to identify the location of buried facilities. Color-coding is used to identify the type of underground facilities: Red – electric Yellow – gas, oil, steam Orange – communications Blue – potable water Purple – reclaimed water Green – sewer/drainage Pink – survey marks White – proposed excavation Once the facilities are marked, digging can begin. Dig Safe permits can also be processed online at www.digsafe.com using the Quick-Ticket system. This system is recommended for contractors and others who are familiar with the Dig Safe System. The Quick-Ticket system can also be accessed via the Dig Safe mobile app. First-time Dig Safe users should use the phone system by calling 8-1-1. Additional information about Dig Safe® can be obtained on the WMGLD website, www.wmgld.com, or on the Dig Safe website at www.digsafe.com. Information can also be obtained by calling Dig Safe at 1-888-DIG-SAFE (1-888- 344-7233).