Chapter 5
5.24 Facility Damage Notification
Practice Statement:
An excavator discovering or causing damage to underground facilities notifies the facility owner/operator and the 811 center. All breaks, leaks, nicks, dents, gouges, grooves, or other damages to facility lines, conduits, coatings, or cathodic protection are reported.
Practice Description:
A majority of states require notification for damage or substantial weakening of an underground facility (27 states). The possibility of facility failure or endangerment of the surrounding population dramatically increases when a facility has been damaged. Although the facility may not immediately fail, the underground facility owner/operator is provided the opportunity to inspect the damage and make appropriate repairs.
Reference:
- Existing state laws, including Arkansas, Idaho, Maryland, and others