Even small, shallow excavation jobs can be a risk if you don’t know where underground lines are buried.

Remember to call 811 for every project!

Step 1

"Pre-mark" where you plan to dig before making the call to 811.

Pre-marking means to mark out the area on the ground where the work will take place, using white stakes, paint or flags.

When utility company representatives arrive to mark their lines, pre-marking provides a visual to help guide them in placing their marks where you need them, and not where you don’t.

Guide to Marking Proposed Excavations


Step 2

Gather the information we need to process a locate request. 

Download our Data Collection Form  to help you prepare for the questions we’ll ask.  

Step 3
 Call 811 in advance

Our call center is open from Monday through Friday from 6:00am to 6:00pm.

State law requires you give at least 72 business hours notice in Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire and Rhode Island; 48 business hours in Vermont.

Weekends and legal holidays do not count toward your start date.

OBSERVED LEGAL HOLIDAYS

  • NEW YEAR’S DAY
  • MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY
  • PRESIDENT’S DAY
  • PATRIOT’S DAY (MA & ME ONLY)
  • MEMORIAL DAY
  • INDEPENDENCE DAY (ON EVEN YEARS)
  • VICTORY DAY (RI ONLY)
  • LABOR DAY
  • COLUMBUS DAY
  • ELECTION DAY (NH ONLY)
  • VETERAN’S DAY
  • THANKSGIVING DAY
  • CHRISTMAS DAY
You will be given a Dig Safe ticket number as proof of notification.


Step 4

Notify any non-member facility operators if known. Non-member companies are not notified by Dig Safe.  See our Laws at a Glance chart on to find out what types of utilities companies are required to be members of Dig Safe.

Click here to get a list of existing Dig Safe members, by state.

Step 5

Utility reps respond to mark their lines within your pre-marked area, using this color code system:

Step 6

Respect the Tolerance Zone!  Be careful when digging close to utility markings.  Remember that utility lines could be buried at any depth! 

Do not use mechanized equipment when working within 18 inches of a marked underground facility.  When working this close to a buried line, you must hand dig to carefully expose the line and avoid damage.

Step 7

Maintain the Marks

Make sure the utility marks stay intact during your project. If the marks are compromised for any reason, call Dig Safe back at 811.

In New Hampshire and Vermont, Dig Safe tickets expire 30 days from the date of issue.

In Maine and Rhode Island, tickets expire 60 days from the date of issue.

In Massachusetts, the work must start within 30 days from the date of issue. Beyond this point, tickets are valid indefinitely, provided that 1) the marks are maintained, and 2) the work is continuous.

For a more details, see our Laws At A Glance

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