April Designated as Dig Safely Month

Excavators and contractors reminded to have utilties marked out before digging

Excavators and anyone planning to dig are reminded to make certain that utility lines and underground facilities are properly identified prior to performing work. “April is officially designated as Dig Safely Month to remind contractors, homeowners and anyone using mechanical means to excavate to first contact Dig Safely New York prior to digging in order to prevent accidental contact with utility lines,” said Charles A. Freni, Senior Vice President of Customer Services at Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation.

New York residents and contactors in the Mid-Hudson Valley must dial 1-800-962-7962, or they may call 811, a national calling service that connects excavators to their local one-call center, at least two to 10 days before digging. Both “one-call” numbers are toll-free, and connect excavators to a statewide notification system that alerts utilities, municipalities and other parties that operate underground facilities of the intent to excavate at specific sites so that lines can be marked out.

“Serious consequences can result by contacting and damaging underground lines, and excavators can be subject to civil penalties and other liabilities, including costs to repair damage caused by excavation undertaken without prior notification,” said Freni. “Contact with underground facilities such as natural gas pipelines and high voltage electric lines can also cause serious or fatal injuries to excavators and the general public, result in property damage, and interrupt vital utility services to homes, businesses and critical facilities, such as schools and hospitals,” said Freni. “These regulations are designed to protect excavators, the general public, and the owners of underground lines.”

When working near utility underground or overhead lines, excavators and construction crews are also encouraged to contact Central Hudson and meet with a representative to review plans and discuss ways in which to work safely. Other recommended steps include:

• Establishing a communications plan with workers to inform them of the location and potential hazards of utility lines in the area. Also, creating a boundary around areas to be avoided, including guy wires, service lines, gas and electric meters, pad-mounted transformers and other facilities, by using cones or tape.

• Keeping a safe distance from overhead utility facilities, at least 10 feet from local power lines, and 25 feet or more from high-voltage transmission lines. Workers should carry ladders, pipes and other long objects horizontally rather than vertically. They should wear appropriate safety gear, and never attempt to make any repairs or adjustments to utility facilities.

Additional information about the Dig Safely New York One-Call system is available on their Web site at www.DigSafelyNewYork.com; information on the 811 service is available at www.call811.com; and to learn more about contractor safety and working near utility lines, call Central Hudson at (845) 452-2700 or 1-800-527-2714, or visit the Safety and Environment section at www.CentralHudson.com.

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