Member University is our free online training platform built specifically for Utility Member Representatives
This self-paced course walks members through everything they need to know to confidently and effectively manage their USA North 811 membership account
Member University ensures representatives have the knowledge and resources they need to stay compliant, informed, and efficient in their role.
Learn MoreA Member Representative is the primary point of contact between USA North 811 and a Utility Member. They are responsible for managing their company’s membership account, including contact information, service area coverage, and ticket delivery settings.
Partner Resources are companies that support excavators and utility members who need services beyond what the standard 811 system provides. From locating privately owned utility lines to managing high ticket volumes or training your team, some needs fall outside the scope of 811. This program connects you with trusted companies who offer specialized tools, training, and services to help you work safer, smarter, and in full compliance with state law
Learn MoreElectronic Positive Response (EPR) is a system that encourages communication from member utility companies to USA North 811 notifying us of the status of the ticket or the method they chose to respond to a ticket. Excavation law in California and Nevada already requires that all utility members respond to every request they receive by either marking the site, notifying the excavator that the site is clear of their facilities, or providing information to the excavator regarding the location of the facilities (maps, drawings, etc). Electronic Positive Response goes one step further by allowing the utility member to then notify USA North 811 how they chose to respond to the ticket. USA North 811 will then publish these responses online, allowing contractors, excavators, and homeowners in California and Nevada the ability to check the status of responses to their ticket request online 24×7.
At this time, electronic positive response is required in California and Nevada. Please make sure and do your due diligence in tracking responses from the utility members on your ticket request. You need to ensure that you have received a response from all utility members on your ticket before proceeding with your digging project.
Learn More
Pre-marking is an essential step in the excavation process where the proposed dig site is marked with white paint or flags. This visual indicator helps utility locators identify where you plan to excavate, ensuring that underground utilities are accurately located and marked. Proper pre-marking minimizes the risk of damaging utilities, which can lead to project delays, costly repairs, and safety hazards. Always ensure your pre-marks are visible and clear to assist the locators effectively.
Utility markings use a standardized color code to indicate the type of utility buried underground. This system helps excavators quickly identify and avoid different utility lines. The American Public Works Association (APWA) color code is widely adopted and includes:
Understanding these colors is crucial for maintaining safety and preventing utility damage during excavation.
In addition to color codes, specific abbreviations are used next to utility markings to provide more detailed information about the utilities present. These abbreviations help communicate the material of the pipe or line and the type of service it carries.
Knowing these abbreviations helps excavators understand the nature of the utilities they are working around, allowing for safer and more informed digging practices.
The Common Ground Alliance (CGA) Best Practices Guide is a nationally recognized resource essential for anyone involved in excavation activities. Developed through the consensus of 16 stakeholder groups, these best practices are designed to enhance safety and prevent damage to underground utilities. They are widely referenced in both California and Nevada excavation laws and serve as a critical resource for excavators, utility operators, and homeowners alike.
Emphasizes the importance of thorough planning before any excavation begins. This includes notifying utility operators and conducting pre-marking to identify the proposed dig site.
Outlines safe digging practices to avoid damaging buried utilities, including guidelines for hand digging and machinery use within the tolerance zones
Provides detailed instructions on how to accurately locate and mark underground utilities using standardized color codes to ensure marks are visible and durable.
Recommends steps to take after excavation, such as restoring utility marks and documenting any issues encountered during the dig.
Stresses the need for clear and consistent communication between excavators, utility operators, and other stakeholders to coordinate effectively and mitigate risks.
The CGA Best Practices Guide is updated annually to reflect advancements in technology and changes in the industry. The latest edition includes over 160 best practices and is available both digitally and in print. You can view and download the full set of best practices directly from the CGA website.
View CGA Best Practices Guide
Adhering to CGA Best Practices is not just a recommendation but a legal obligation in many jurisdictions, including California and Nevada. These guidelines are crucial for maintaining compliance with state laws and ensuring the safety of all excavation projects.
By following these best practices, you contribute to the safety of your community and help prevent costly damage to underground utilities. Stay informed, stay safe, and ensure your projects are compliant with industry standards. For more detailed information and to view the complete set of best practices, please visit commongroundalliance.org
The California Underground Facilities Safe Excavation Board was created by the Dig Safe Act of 2016 to investigate accidents, develop excavation safety standards and coordinate education and outreach programs.
The Underground Safety Board is made up of nine members appointed by the Governor and Legislature. Members are charged with overseeing the safety of excavations around buried utilities by coordinating the state’s education and outreach efforts, investigating accidents to determine their causes, setting standards for safe excavation and ensuring the state’s safe excavation laws are followed. Visit the Underground Infrastructure Directorate page to report excavation damage, submit ideas to the Board, and search for other helpful resources.
The Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN) is the state agency responsible for regulating utilities and ensuring the safe and reliable operation of Nevada’s utility infrastructure, including its role in the 811 industry. As part of its responsibilities, the PUCN oversees compliance with Nevada’s excavation laws, NRS 455 & NAC 455, to help prevent damage to underground utility facilities
The Commission enforces safe excavation practices, investigates incidents involving utility strikes, and issues penalties for violations when appropriate. In addition, the PUCN provides education and outreach to excavators, utility operators, and the public to promote awareness of the 811 process and safe digging requirements. Through these efforts, the PUCN plays a critical role in protecting underground utilities, public safety, and the continuity of essential utility services across the state
Visit PUCN websiteOur Ticket Research service provides customers with access to historical 811 ticket information maintained by USA North 811. This service is available to utility members, industry stakeholders, and other parties who may need official ticket records for reference, investigation, or legal purposes. Requests are processed by our team to ensure accurate and timely delivery of the information needed to support safe excavation practices, compliance efforts, and documentation requirements
At 811, our mission is to ensure safe digging practices and prevent damage to underground utilities. As a professional excavator, you play a crucial role in this mission. Our promotional items not only provide valuable resources to support your work but also help you partner with us to spread awareness about the importance of calling 811 before any digging project.
Click on the link below to browse our full selection and place your order. By incorporating these items into your daily operations, you not only improve safety but also help spread the critical message of 811 to others in the industry. Plus, all items are shipped to you free of charge.
Promotional order formFeedback is good and sometimes it’s the only thing that causes change. Let us know if we are excelling in a certain area of our service or if we are failing to meet your expectations. Either way, we want to hear about it!
Submit your feedback
