Friday, May 15, 2004

May is Dig Safely Month Because we usually walk on earth instead of digging into it, people don’t often think about what lies underneath us. What many do not consider is the fact that under our feet and over our heads run a network of utility lines that bring us services we rely on, and in many instances can’t live without, such as electricity, water, telephones, natural gas and cable TV. Many accidents occur each year when people come into contact with utility lines by digging without having the lines properly marked in advance of their activities. These accidents can injure people, cause disruption of service and result in expensive repairs. Gov. Sonny Perdue recently proclaimed May as Dig Safely Month in Georgia. His proclamation urges citizens to become aware of the dangers associated with digging or excavating near utility lines and the Dig Safely Law which requires the public to have all utility lines identified before beginning a project. In 1986 the Georgia state legislature passed the Dig Safely Law requiring anyone planning to dig underground or work within ten feet of overhead utility lines to contact the UPC 48 hours in advance (not including weekends and holidays.) The UPC notifies all member utilities who in turn, mark underground facilities so that the project may be undertaken safely. Fines for violating the Dig Safely law can reach $10,000. “The 48-hour notice gives each member utility with lines in the work area an opportunity to locate and mark all underground lines with color-coded dye and/or flags that correspond to their particular type of facility,” said Claudette Campbell, executive director of the UPC. “This makes the lines easily identifiable for the excavator and gives electric utilities an opportunity to assess work situations and provide expert recommendations for work that is to be done near overhead high-voltage electrical lines.” The call and service are free. “We estimate that the UPC has saved Georgia tens of millions of dollars in repairs, medical costs and service interruptions associated with utility line accidents,” said Campbell. “We appreciate the Governor’s support to get the message out to the public that safe digging is necessary and is the law in Georgia.” The Utilities Protection Center of Georgia was formed in 1974 to help Georgians locate utility lines on project sites. By calling the UPC at 800-282-7411 or 770-623-4344 in the metro Atlanta area, Georgians can have member utilities mark the lines around their work site, ensuring that work can begin safely. The UPC strives to encourage four Dig Safely practices: 1) Call before you dig. 2) Wait the required amount of time for marking. 3) Respect the marks. 4) Dig with care.