The Louisiana legislature has enacted significant updates to the Louisiana Underground Utilities and Facilities Damage Prevention Law through House Bill No. 392, aimed at enhancing safety and compliance across excavation and demolition projects statewide.
Key
Legislative
Updates
1. Large Project Excavation Definition
A “Large project excavation or demolition” now refers to work in a contiguous area that cannot reasonably be completed within:
20 calendar days for routine excavation/demolition
30 calendar days for agricultural, forestry, or marine work
2. Notice Requirements
Notice to the Regional Notification Center:
Excavators must provide telephonic or electronic notice:
At least 48 hours, but not more than 120 hours, excluding weekends and holiday before work begins. Start Time Compliance: Work must begin within 120 hours of the mark-by time unless extended by mutual agreement or due to extraordinary circumstances (e.g. weather delays).
3. Mandatory Training
At least one person on every excavation or demolition site must complete annual training provided by the Regional Notification Center, available free online.
Operators certified under Title 49, CFR, Part 192 or Part 195 are exempt.
English: https://811industrytraining.thinkific.com/courses/louisiana-811
Spanish: https://811industrytraining.thinkific.com/courses/new-course
Marine: https://mmarinesafe811.org/training-education
4. Large Project Agreements
Operators and excavators may create written agreements to extend timelines for large projects.
If no agreement is reached within 30 days, the large project notice is void, and a routine notice is required.
What This Means for You
Plan for projects exceeding 20–30 days
Follow the 48–120-hour notice rule
Complete annual training to stay compliant