For the last several years, we at Tennessee 811 have handled over 1 million locate requests, with 1,110,139 tickets entered in 2025. Damage prevention takes all of us following the proper steps to reduce utility damages. It’s pre-marking the job site before we call, waiting on the utility to have their locator or contract locator mark the underground utilities, and checking Positive Response to see what utility has responded. There may not be any underground utilities in the area, but if there are utility lines located, we must respect those markings and dig with care. If we get close to those markings (in the tolerance zone), we must hand dig/pothole those lines. If you are working near a gas or transmission line, it may be the facility owner’s company policy that they must be on-site. I’m going to cover a few important steps that are sometimes overlooked. It may help you avoid damaging an underground utility line.
Pre-Marking Job Site
Before a locate request is entered, it is best to go out to the property to assess what area you need located. Whether it is a small or large property, use white paint or flags to indicate what part of the property you need marked by the locators. This will speed up the process for both the locators and you. You can purchase white spray paint at any hardware store or large stores such as Home Depot, Lowe’s, or Walmart. Spending a few dollars and a few minutes on the front end may save you some time and money on the back end. Never assume the locator knows where you are working. Just because you say, “mark the entire property,” that could be a vague description. Take the guesswork out of it and put white markings down.
Positive Response
After you enter the locate request, check Positive Response through our portal at www.tenn811.com by using your ticket number to see the response from the utility operator. If all the utilities have responded with “clear no conflict” or “located, facilities marked,” you can begin your work, even if it is before the three working days. Again, it must be one of those two responses from all the members that Tennessee 811 contacted. If you check Positive Response and there is no response by the valid date and time, enter a second notice request to Tennessee 811. I’m often asked the question, “Do I have to wait three more working days after entering that second notice?” The answer is no. It is good practice to give the utility operator who has not responded a chance to mark or respond via the Positive Response system. The end goal should always be safety and damage prevention.
Respect the Markings / Dig with Care
When you get out to the job site, identify the utility markings and dig with care. If you need to get close to any of the utility markings, you will need to hand dig/pothole. I know there are great equipment operators out there, but you will be more precise using a hand tool than you will be with a backhoe, trencher, etc. Our dig law allows locators a Safety/Tolerance Zone of the width of the facility, plus two feet on each side. As I mentioned before, some utility operators may want to be on site if you need to work in close proximity to their underground facilities.
Remember to stay safe. Call 811 or enter a locate request through our website, respect the marks, and dig with care. Do you know someone in your company who fits the bill for a Damage Prevention MVP? What about someone you work with in the field? I would love to spotlight them for our next quarter’s Damage Prevention MVP. Please reach me via email at
jfryer@tennessee811.com.