DigAlert: Uncovering Underground Hazards for a Safer Tomorrow

Introduction

Underground infrastructure plays a vital role in modern society, providing essential services such as water, electricity, gas, and telecommunications. However, these hidden assets can also pose significant risks to public safety and property. DigAlert is a crucial tool that helps mitigate these risks by providing information about buried utilities to individuals and organizations planning excavation activities.

Importance of DigAlert

According to the Common Ground Alliance (CGA), an estimated 20% of all excavation damages occur due to the lack of proper utility location information. These damages can result in:

• Safety hazards: Gas leaks, electrical shocks, and explosions can pose serious threats to workers and the public.
• Service disruptions: Severed utilities can lead to outages in water, electricity, or gas supply, affecting thousands of people.
• Property damage: Excavations that damage buried infrastructure can result in costly repairs or even structural failures.

DigAlert plays a crucial role in preventing these damages by providing timely and accurate information about underground utilities.

Benefits of Using DigAlert

• Enhanced safety: By knowing the precise location of underground hazards, excavators can avoid striking them, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.
• Reduced service disruptions: Timely utility location information allows for proper planning and coordination, minimizing the potential for service outages.
• Protected property: Accurate excavation practices help prevent damage to buried infrastructure, safeguarding property and reducing construction delays.
• Compliance with regulations: DigAlert helps organizations comply with state and federal laws that require the notification of underground utility operators before excavation.
• Lower insurance premiums: Insurance companies often offer lower premiums to businesses that utilize DigAlert services, recognizing their commitment to safety and risk mitigation.

How DigAlert Works

DigAlert operates through a nationwide network of one-call centers. These centers act as intermediaries between excavators and utility companies. When an excavation is planned, the excavator contacts their local one-call center. The center then notifies all utility companies serving the area, who mark the location of their buried lines with paint or flags. This process typically takes up to 3 business days.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not calling DigAlert: Failing to contact DigAlert before excavation is a major cause of utility strikes. Always make contacting DigAlert your first step in any excavation project.
• Digging in unmarked areas: Even if the area to be excavated is not visibly marked, it may still contain buried utilities. Always follow the instructions of the DigAlert marks.
• Ignoring shallow utilities: Some utilities, such as gas lines, are often buried shallowly. Be particularly cautious when excavating in areas that are not visibly marked.
• Not properly marking excavation sites: Once a DigAlert request has been made, it is important to clearly mark the excavation site to prevent accidental damage to buried utilities.

Why DigAlert Matters

DigAlert is not just about avoiding accidents and damages; it is about safeguarding the health, safety, and well-being of our communities. By promoting responsible excavation practices, DigAlert helps ensure that underground infrastructure remains intact and accessible, supporting the smooth functioning of modern society.

Real-Life Stories

Story 1: In 2021, a construction crew in New York accidentally severed a gas line while excavating for a new building. The resulting explosion and fire caused significant damage to the surrounding area and resulted in several injuries. A proper DigAlert request could have prevented this tragedy.

Story 2: A homeowner in California was planning to install a fence around their property. They contacted DigAlert and were informed that there was a buried electrical line running through the area. The homeowner adjusted their fence plans to avoid the line, preventing a potential electrocution hazard.

Story 3: A utility company in Texas was able to repair a leaking water main quickly and efficiently after receiving a timely DigAlert request from a construction crew. The quick response prevented the leak from escalating into a major service disruption.

Comparative Analysis: DigAlert VS Physical Utility Marking

DigAlert:

• Advantages: Convenient and efficient, covers a wide area, provides coordination with multiple utilities.
• Disadvantages: Can take up to 3 business days, may not locate all utilities (e.g., private lines).

Physical Utility Marking:

• Advantages: Instant and accurate, can locate all utilities, including private lines.
• Disadvantages: Involves additional cost and time, limited to a specific area.

In most cases, DigAlert is the recommended approach for large-scale excavations. However, for small-scale projects or areas with known private utilities, physical utility marking may be a more appropriate option.

Usefulness Tables

Table 1: Economic Impact of Utility Damages

Table 2: States with DigAlert Laws

Table 3: One-Call Center Contact Information

Conclusion

DigAlert is an essential tool for preventing damage to underground utilities and ensuring the safety of those who work in or near them. By promoting responsible excavation practices, DigAlert helps create a safer and more resilient society. Whether you are a homeowner, contractor, or property manager, using DigAlert is an investment in safety, efficiency, and the protection of our valuable infrastructure. Remember, "Dig with Care, Contact DigAlert".