Safety

Avoid accidents! Call 811 before you break ground.

Safe digging is everyone’s responsibility.

Safe digging starts when you contact Alabama 811 either with a direct call, the internet web portal, or the mobile application. per Alabama law, everyone, including home-owners, must contact Alabama 811 at least two working days prior to the start of any excavation project, no matter how small or how large. This is true especially if you are using any type of mechanized equipment. If you are unsure whether you need to notify Alabama 811 prior to starting your job, remember it is always best to call. Calling 811 is a free service.

To contact Alabama 811, you can simply dial "811" from anywhere in Alabama. If you are calling outside of Alabama you can reach us on our toll free number 800-292-8525. You can also use our Homeowner Locate Request link or download our Alabama 811 mobile application at the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Key Things to Remember

• Alabama 811 is the one call notification center for Alabama. They do not locate the lines directly but notify the potentially affected member utilities in the area of your excavation site to come out and mark their lines.
• Membership by the Underground Facility Owners is voluntary. Only the members of Alabama 811 will come out and mark their facilities when using Alabama 811. Non-members must be contacted directly. However, they are still required to mark their facilities within the 2 working days.
• Member companies will mark the facilities that they own and operate. For most water and sewer lines they will mark along the right of way and up to the meter. Any lines from the meter to your residence are considered to be private and the property of the homeowner.
• Member companies will mark using the ?APWA Color Code? noting which type of underground facility exists?.
• If you need to dig within 18 inches either side of the utility markings, you will need to use non-mechanized equipment, dig carefully and spot the facilities.

Marking Guidelines

The marking guide from the American Public Works Association provides for a universal use and understanding of the temporary marking of underground facilities.

Use of color-coded surface marks (paint, chalk, flags etc) is to indicate the location and route of buried facilities. All marks should indicate the name, initials or logo of the company that owns or operates the lines to help determine the proper facility owner if needed. If the width of the facility is greater than 2” (5mm) then it is good to indicate the width. If the surface above the buried facilities is to be removed, such as asphalt removal, then supplemental offset marks may be used. Offset markings should be on a uniform alignment and must clearly indicate the actual facility specific distance.

Proposed excavations can be marked with white to show the location or boundaries of the proposed excavation.