Philadelphia Gas Works Supports National 811 Day and Safe Digging
Posted on: Aug 09, 2024Sunday is August 11, also known as National 811 Day, which is recognized by Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW), along with other utilities, contractors, excavators, and property owners across the nation. 811 Day is a reminder for residents and contractors to call 811 before any digging project, whether simply planting flowers or building a deck.
So, what is the 411 about 811?
Why call 811?
Regardless of the size of the project, anyone planning to pave, excavate, or demolish a building in Pennsylvania should – and is legally required to – call Pennsylvania 811. Anytime an underground utility is struck, there is a safety risk to the contractors, homeowners, utility workers, and residents in the area.
PGW also encourages City residents to call 811 to report any suspect contractor that may be digging without a valid Pennsylvania One Call ticket (request) in place, which alerts all facility owners of a possible safety concern. Jobsites without visible paint or flag markings onsite should be reported to 811.
How to call 811?
Dialing 811 connects homeowners and contractors to the Pennsylvania “One Call” system, which alerts utilities to identify the location of their service or distribution lines within the scope of the proposed worksite. The 811 service is free to any homeowner and available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
When to call 811?
It is recommended to call three to 10 business days prior to beginning a project.
What do colorful markings on the street represent?
Utilities mark their lines with specific color codes: red markings represent electric power lines, conduit and power cables; orange markings represent communication lines; blue represents water; and green markings indicate sewers and drain lines. PGW marks natural gas utility lines with yellow paint or flags.
Last year, PGW marked underground natural gas lines for around 70,000 projects ahead of contractors, residents, and excavators breaking any ground.
Watch this short PGW video about the importance and responsibility of calling 811 before any digging occurs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cn_IpxRdKM.
At any time, the smell of gas or a foreign odor should be reported immediately to PGW’s emergency hotline at 215-235-1212 or 911.
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