Dig Safe Regulations Flashcards

An excavator plans to dig on a Friday. When should the Dig Safe request be made to allow the 72-hour notice?

Answer: By the preceding Tuesday

Counting three full business days back from Friday lands on Tuesday, so the request should be in by then.

Does Massachusetts Dig Safe law apply to a homeowner installing a fence post by hand?

Answer: Yes, any excavation requires notification regardless of who digs

The law applies to all excavators including homeowners; any digging requires a Dig Safe notification.

If utility markings have faded or been destroyed before digging is complete, what must the excavator do?

Answer: Submit a re-mark request to Dig Safe

When marks are no longer visible or reliable, the excavator must request a re-mark rather than guess.

What is a key consequence of failing to call Dig Safe before excavating in Massachusetts?

Answer: Fines and liability for damages, with penalties that can reach thousands of dollars

Failure to notify can result in significant fines and full liability for any damage caused.

During an emergency such as a gas leak, what is the rule for Dig Safe notification?

Answer: Emergency excavation may proceed but Dig Safe must still be notified as soon as possible

Emergency digs to protect life or property may begin immediately, but Dig Safe must be notified promptly.

What information is typically required when placing a Dig Safe request?

Answer: Excavation location, type of work, dates, and contact details

A complete request includes the dig location, the work type, start date, and caller contact information so locators can respond.

Why must an excavator pre-mark the proposed dig site in white before locators arrive?

Answer: To clearly show locators the exact area needing to be marked

White pre-marking helps locators identify and accurately mark only the relevant excavation area.