Call 811 Before You Dig: Renting Excavators, Trenchers and Augers

Digging equipment such as mini excavators, trenchers, augers and stump grinders can strike buried gas, electric, water and communication lines.

Use 811

811 is the national call-before-you-dig number in the United States. Contacting 811 (by phone or your state's online system) a few business days before digging starts a request for utility owners to mark their lines. Waiting periods and rules vary by state, so check your state's 811 center.

Respect the marks

Keep the marks visible, dig carefully near them, and remember that private lines (such as a line to a detached garage or sprinkler system) are often not marked by utility companies.

Trench safety for employers

OSHA's excavation rules require employers to determine the location of underground installations before excavating (29 CFR 1926.651) and to use protective systems in trenches 5 feet deep or more unless the excavation is made entirely in stable rock (29 CFR 1926.652). OSHA's trenching page has more guidance.

Sources

• Call 811 – national call-before-you-dig number
• OSHA 29 CFR 1926.651 – Excavation requirements
• OSHA 29 CFR 1926.652 – Protective systems for excavations
• OSHA – Trenching and Excavation

General information only, not legal, safety-certification or insurance advice. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and the rental yard's terms.