Watertown, SD — Workers in the communications tower industry should always call 811 before jobs that involve excavating near underground utilities, NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association stresses in a new video.
Established in 2005, 811 is the national call-before-you-dig phone number. Its website emphasizes that “hitting a buried line while digging can disrupt utility service, cost money to repair, or cause serious injury or death.”
Troy Lawrence, project manager at ANCO, tells video host Sean Gilhooley that calling 811 or visiting 811beforeyoudig.com ensures “all the markings of the locations of the underground utilities are marked for you.”
Lawrence adds: “As soon as you know that you’re going to be excavating on a site, make the call.”
Utilities typically respond within 48 hours. Although it’s not mandatory to be onsite when utility locators arrive, Lawrence recommends remaining on hand to “get a good feel for everything.”
The video explores several utilities commonly found adjacent to tower sites. Each is marked with a specific color:
- Communication: Orange
- Gas: Yellow
- Power: Red
- Sewer: Green
- Water: Blue
If a crew encounters a utility line that wasn’t identified, stop work immediately and call the provider, experts advise.
“Safety is the name of the game,” Lawrence said. “Take all precautions necessary to make sure that you’re not damaging any underground utilities. Be aware of your surroundings.”
The video marks the most recent installment of NATE’s Climber Connection series, which promotes safe work practices for communication tower workers.
