Submitting a locate request is the first step – but not the only requirement.
Alabama law requires proper notice and safe digging practices.
Excavation, Demolition, or Grading
Trenching or Directional Boring
Utility Installation or Repair
Roadwork or Site Development
A locate request is required by law before excavation begins. Alabama 811 notifies member utility operators so they can respond.
• Submit at least 2 full working days before excavation (up to 10 working days in advance)
• Provide accurate location and scope of work
• Maintain a valid locate request ticket for the duration of the project or renew as required
• White line the proposed excavation area to improve marking accuracy
The more specific you are about your work area, the more accurate the markings will be.
After submitting your locate request, confirm all operator responses before excavation begins.
• Do not begin work until the required notice period has passed
• Verify all operator responses in the positive response system
• Resolve missing or unclear responses before digging
Excavation may not begin without confirmed responses.
Already submitted a request?
After utilities respond, review all markings at the jobsite before excavation begins.
• Confirm markings align with your proposed work area
• Remember markings indicate approximate location of underground facilities
• Maintain safe clearance from all marked lines
If markings are unclear, missing, or have faded, contact 811 for a re-mark before digging.
After reviewing markings, follow the tolerance zone requirements when working near underground facilities.
• The tolerance zone extends at least 18 inches on each side of a marked utility (plus the facility width)
• Use careful hand digging or potholing within the tolerance zone until the facility is exposed
• Support and protect exposed facilities during excavation
• Do not operate mechanized equipment directly over a marked line
If you encounter unmarked facilities or conflicting markings, stop work and contact 811.
If a facility is damaged, even slightly, stop work and report it immediately both to Alabama 811 and the member utility if possible.
• Cease excavation in the affected area to allow for the repair or restoration of facilities
• Do not attempt to repair or conceal the damage
• Notify the facility operator or contact 811 right away
• If there is escaping corrosive, explosive, or flammable materials, you are required to not only notify the utilities, but also emergency responders, typically by dialing 911, and notify them of the incident.
Block off the area to ensure others do not become involved with the incident, evacuate nearby buildings and residences if necessary, and remain at a safe distance until the situation is secure.
Excavators are responsible for complying with Alabama’s Underground Damage Prevention Law and for protecting underground facilities during all excavation activities.
Excavators must:
• Submit and maintain a valid locate request ticket before excavation
• Confirm all operator responses before excavation begins
• White line the proposed excavation area when practical
• Observe tolerance zone requirements when working near marked facilities
• Protect and support exposed facilities
• Report all damage immediately
Failure to comply may result in civil penalties and liability for damages.
After submitting a valid locate request, notified utility operators will respond through the positive response system and mark underground facilities when applicable.
Keep in mind:
• Utilities may mark with paint, flags, or both
• Not all utilities mark on the same day
• Some operators may respond “clear” if no facilities are present in the work area
• Markings indicate approximate location, not exact depth or alignment
• Some non-member utilities may require direct contact
If expected responses are missing, do not begin excavation until resolved.
Already submitted a request?
