# Call 811: underground utilities

URL: https://hardhatbinder.com/en/toolbox-talks/underground-utilities
Last updated: 2026-10-23

We have digging on our jobs this week, and every shovel or bucket that goes into the ground can hit a gas line, power cable, water main, or fiber line. A hit line can cause an explosion, electrocution, or a flooded trench in seconds. Knowing where the utilities are before we dig keeps everyone alive and keeps the job moving.

## Key points

1. No digging starts until 811 has been called and the locate ticket is confirmed. Ask the foreman to see the ticket number and the date the marks are good for.
2. Learn the paint colors: red is electric, yellow is gas or oil, orange is communications, blue is water, green is sewer, and white is where we plan to dig.
3. Near any mark, switch to hand digging or vacuum excavation to expose the line. Dig carefully and keep the machine back until you can see the utility.
4. Once a line is exposed, support it and protect it so it does not sag or get hit while we keep working.
5. If marks are faded, missing, or washed out, stop and tell the foreman so we can get them redone. Never guess where a line is.
6. If you smell gas, hit a line, or see damage, stop the equipment, get everyone away, and do not try to fix it. Call 911 and the utility right away.
7. Even a small nick in a coating or cable must be reported. Damage you cover up can fail later and hurt someone.

## Talk it over

- Where on this site are the marked lines, and which ones are closest to where we are digging today?
- Have you ever found a line that was not marked or was in the wrong spot? What did you do?
- If we hit a gas line right now, who calls, where do we go, and how do we shut down the equipment?

> **Remember:** Call before you dig, respect the marks, and hand dig near every line.

## Official sources

- [29 CFR 1926.651](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-29/section-1926.651) — Excavations — specific requirements

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Source: HardHat Binder, operated by Leadspire LLC. Templates to be reviewed by a competent person before use; not legal advice; not affiliated with OSHA.