MASS Dig Safe Regulations 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In Massachusetts, how many business days before excavation must you notify Dig Safe?
- At least 72 hours (3 business days) (Correct answer)
- At least 24 hours
- At least 7 business days
- At least 2 hours
Correct answer: At least 72 hours (3 business days)
Massachusetts law requires notifying Dig Safe at least 72 hours (3 business days) before digging, excluding weekends and holidays.
Question 2: What is the universal phone number to call before digging anywhere in the U.S.?
- 811 (Correct answer)
- 911
- 311
- 411
Correct answer: 811
811 is the national Call Before You Dig number that routes to the local one-call notification center.
Question 3: How long is a Dig Safe ticket/permit number valid in Massachusetts before re-marking is required?
- 30 days (Correct answer)
- 7 days
- 90 days
- 1 year
Correct answer: 30 days
A Dig Safe notification in Massachusetts is valid for 30 days, after which a new request is required.
Question 4: What color paint or flags mark electric power lines and cables?
- Red (Correct answer)
- Yellow
- Blue
- Orange
Correct answer: Red
Red marks electric power lines, cables, conduit, and lighting cables under the APWA color code.
Question 5: Within what distance of a marked underground facility must you dig by hand or with non-mechanical means (the tolerance zone)?
- 18 inches on either side (Correct answer)
- 5 feet on either side
- 6 inches on either side
- 3 feet on either side
Correct answer: 18 inches on either side
Massachusetts requires hand digging within the tolerance zone of 18 inches on each side of the marked line.
Question 6: Who is responsible for marking privately owned underground lines that the utility companies do not own?
- The property owner (Correct answer)
- Dig Safe automatically marks them
- The municipality
- No one needs to mark them
Correct answer: The property owner
Dig Safe only covers member utility lines; the property owner is responsible for locating private lines like irrigation or to-a-shed wiring.
Question 7: What should an excavator do if a marked utility line is damaged during digging?
- Stop work and immediately notify the utility owner and Dig Safe (Correct answer)
- Repair it themselves and continue
- Cover it and finish the job
- Wait until the next business day to report it
Correct answer: Stop work and immediately notify the utility owner and Dig Safe
Damaged lines must be reported immediately to the utility owner; gas leaks or electric contact also warrant calling 911.
MASS Dig Safe Regulations 2
In Massachusetts, how many business days before excavation must you notify Dig Safe?