September 16-22 is Farm and Ranch Safety Week!
We remind you to “Call or Click 811 Before You Dig,” including ag activities such as tilling, tiling, ripping and fencing. This week and always, please remember the four steps to safe digging!
Step 1: Call 811 or visit clickbeforeyoudig.com before agricultural excavation activities
Pipeline markers indicate the general—but not exact—location of pipelines or utility lines. For this reason, you should never rely on pipeline markers to identify the precise location of underground lines. Instead, use the 811 system.
Always “811 before you dig” by calling 811 or visiting clickbeforeyoudig.com at least three business days before you deep plow, tile, scrape, fence or dig. 811 is a free service for farmers that will notify pipeline and other underground utility operators of your upcoming work near their lines.
Step 2: Wait for operators to mark lines
Identify your work area using white paint, or coordinate a time to meet with the pipeline or utility operator to discuss your project. Wait for operators to locate and mark their lines (don’t remove these until you are finished digging). Depending on state law, utility companies have two or three working days to mark lines. Company personnel or professional locators will mark buried lines with flags, stakes or paint so you know exactly where lines are located and how to safety work around them.
If you will be excavating close to a buried pipeline or utility line, the operator may request to be on-site when you dig to provide technical expertise.
Step 3: Dig with hand-digging tools near the line and backfill properly
Dig with care, using appropriate hand digging or vacuum-digging tools near the pipeline. For your safety, backhoes, augers and other mechanical equipment should not be used when digging within 24 inches of the outside edge of pipelines or utility lines.
When you are finished, carefully backfill and compact the soil.
Step 4: Notify operator of damage or leaks
If you suspect a pipeline leak, immediately leave the area in an upwind direction and warn others to stay away. From a safe location, call 911 and the operator. Never operate mechanical equipment in an area where you suspect a leak.
Immediately notify the operator if you dent, scrape or strike a pipeline or utility line while digging so it can be inspected and repaired. Even minor contact with the pipe can cause unseen damage that can have major consequences over time.
For more information, check out the links below:
Peterson Farm Bros “Ya Dig” 811 Parody
Farm and Ranch Safety and Health Week
Please show your support for farm and ranch safety. Click here to download Farm and Ranch Safety Week images to share via social media. Please post with #farmsafe811, #ranchsafe811 and #NFSHW.
