From planting trees to building a deck to putting in a fence—outdoor projects enhance our outdoor living space. Some projects we can do ourselves. For others, we call in the professionals. Safe Electricity encourages both weekend warriors and professionals who work outdoors to be safe and to be sure to avoid underground electrical hazards. To help you stay safe, make use of the national underground utility locating service for free by calling 811.
811 routes callers to a local utility locating service. From there, it takes a few business days for a professional to come mark your utilities with flags or spray-paint. If you are in a rush to complete a project, a few days might seem like a long wait. However, a small waiting period can spare you an injury that could take years of recovery.
Tom Dickey learned the dangers of underground electricity years ago when he was on the job as an underground contractor. Tom was asked to add a small task at the end of the work day—after his safety gear was already headed back to his shop in another truck. He made a decision that put time and efficiency above safety. He had one accidental slip and came in contact with lethal levels of electricity. Fortunately, he survived, but even years later he lives with pain every day.
“You may get by with it a thousand times, but at some point it can happen to you. It can happen to anybody,” says Tom.
Electricity is not the only thing that lies underground. Gas, water, cable, and telephone lines all are buried beneath the earth. Not only are these utilities dangerous to make contact with, but people and businesses rely on these services.
Even if you had utilities located last year, it is best to have them located again. Underground utilities can shift, and it is important to be certain of where they are before ever putting a shovel in the ground.
If you accidently come in contact with an underground utility, do not bury the problem. Your first priority should be evacuating the area for safety, if necessary. If you nick an underground utility, notify your utility provider. Do not attempt to fix the problem yourself.
The Safe Electricity program urges you to start all outdoor digging projects the safe way—by calling 811 to have underground utilities marked. For more information on electrical safety, visit SafeElectricity.org.
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