Information about excavation safety
When starting a project that requires digging, remember to call 811 before you get started.
South Carolina State Law
The South Carolina STATE LAW requires that excavators give a 72-Hour notice, (3 working days excluding weekends and holidays), for the locators to come out and mark the area. After a ticket has been processed, you will know when you are legally free to proceed with the digging work and which utilities in the area. P.U.P.S. (Palmetto Utility Protection Service) will be notifying for you. Any utilities that P.U.P.S. does not notify, you will be responsible for notifying directly. The Utility Companies ask that you leave a 2 1/2 feet margin on each side of a marked utility line. Also note that your request is good for 15 working days after being processed by our system.
Contact
811 is a nationwide one call number that is utilized by P.U.P.S. in the state of South Carolina. Their operating hours are 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
Color Codes used for locating utility lines
RED - Electric Power Lines, Cables, Conduit and Lightning Cables
YELLOW - Gas, Oil, Steam, Petroleum, or Gaseous Materials
ORANGE - Communication, Alarm, or Signal Lines, Cables or Conduit
BLUE - Water, Irrigation, and Slurry Lines
GREEN - Sewers and Drain Lines
PINK - Temporary Survey Markings
WHITE - Proposed Excavations
Tips for safe excavation
- If a neighbor is planning an excavation project, remind them to call 811 before they break ground.
- Hand dig within 30 inches of both sides of the locate marks before using excavation equipment.
For more information about 811, visit the national 811 website at
www.call811.com
