Digging and Trenching Safety
updated: Sep 04, 2012, 2:17 PM

Source: Santa Barbara County Fire Department

Digging or trenching may be necessary to replace a fence or deck, remove or plant a tree, replace a foundation, run new underground utilities, or simply install a new sprinkler system. The Santa Barbara County Fire Department reminds people that California State Law requires that before digging or trenching is performed, verification must be made that there are no underground utilities buried in or around the work area. These utilities may include electricity, communications, gas, water or sewer.

To ensure there are no utilities in the work area, contact DigAlert by dialing 811. As a free service, DigAlert will notify the utility providers for a site visit to mark the utility locations. Each utility company will mark the location of their lines with different colored chalk, flags, or paint.

The Santa Barbara County Fire Department reminds people that digging may accidently damage an underground utility and disrupt services to neighbors, cause electrocution or an explosion. For more information regarding what to do prior to digging, please contact DigAlert at 811, or visit their website at www.digalert.org.

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