SafetyQuestion 665 of 700
Before mechanized digging begins, an excavator must have underground utilities located and marked. In California, what is the general requirement for notifying the regional notification center (DigAlert / 811)?
a.Notify the utility owner within 24 hours after digging starts
b.Contact the regional notification center at least two working days before excavating so utilities can be marked
c.No notice is needed if the dig is under 5 feet deep
d.Call only if the excavator personally believes a line is present
Explanation
Correct: California law requires contacting the regional notification center (DigAlert / 811) generally at least two working days before excavating so member utilities can locate and mark their lines. Notifying after digging starts, skipping notice for shallow digs, or relying on personal judgment all violate the advance-locate requirement and risk striking gas, electric, or other buried lines.
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