Excavators - Know what's below

• Mark your proposed dig area in white paint.
• Call 811 two (2) working days before you dig.
• Do not dig until all utilities are located and marked. Each utility has its own contract locator, meaning there will be multiple locators marking the approximate location of underground utility lines or notifying you if there are no underground utilities in the area. Do not assume all utilities have responded to your request. You are responsible for contacting non-member utilities. Also privately owned utilities will not be located. Here’s one general rule: if the utility runs from the street to the meter, it will be marked. If the utility is installed from the meter to another location on your property, it will not be marked.
• Maintain your marks. If marks are faded or destroyed, or flags removed, call 811 for remark. Please note locate marks expire 21 days after the initial request date.
• Determine the precise location of the marked utilities by hand digging. Use hand tools when digging within 24” on either side of the locate marks.
• Each excavator on the project MUST have their own BUD number.
• Be mindful of ignition sources when working around gas pipeline.
• Always assume electric lines are energized.

• In the event you discover or cause damage, STOP excavation activities immediately. Notify 811 and all affected utility operators. If the damage is to a gas pipeline, evacuate the area and dial 911.
• Do not attempt to stop the flow of gas by bending, crimping or taping a damaged pipeline. Attempting to stop the flow of gas does not make the area safe.

LG&E follows the American Public Works Association Uniform Color Code. Below are the utility marking colors you may see at the job site. Markings may be in paint/chalk or flags.

Kentucky law requires underground utility lines to be marked by flags or paint before any digging project can begin. Everyone is also expected to observe the approximate location around underground utilities. Don’t assume a pipeline or cable runs straight between marks – and that’s why we have a tolerance zone. The tolerance zone is the area equal to the width of the underground utility plus the area extending 24” on either side of the utility. If no width is given by the utility, assume 2”, and depths may vary.

Safely digging within the tolerance zone allows you to expose the utility on all sides. When digging/excavating or demolition is necessary within the tolerance zone, you should CAUTIOUSLY hand dig or use non-intrusive means to avoid damaging an underground utility. Methods of working within a specified tolerance zone include, but are not limited to: hand digging, pot holing or vacuum excavation.

In addition to Kentucky, LG&E and KU have underground facilities in two neighboring states – Indiana and Virginia. Contact 811 (online at kentucky811.org, indiana811.org, va811.com or by phone when you dial 811) to submit a ticket for a locate request in your area or for more information.