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Archives FAQs
As a member operator, I receive an extremely large number of locate requests. The “Call Before You Dig” Law state that I must complete these locates within 48 hours. With the large number of requests, that is sometimes impossible. What compliance issues do I face when I can’t complete all of the locates.
Chapter 556, F.S., actually takes this circumstance into consideration. 556.105 (5), F.S., states: “If the member operator is unable to respond within such time, the member operator shall communicate with the person making the request and negotiate a new schedule…
I am a landscaper and I am working for a homeowner installing a sprinkler system on private property. Do I have to call for a locate request? If so, should I require the homeowner to call for the locate request before I start work?
Yes, a company performing any type of landscaping for a homeowner is required to “Call Sunshine” before digging. There are certain exemptions in place for a homeowner performing excavations themselves on their own private property, but these exemptions do not…
During a storm, weather conditions caused damage to overhead electrical and telephone lines as well as uprooting some trees causing damage to the buried cables nearby. A utility pole and trees were blocking traffic and water was spraying from a water main. What should I do?
This instance would be classified as an “emergency” situation. Florida Statute 556 defines an emergency as “any condition constituting a clear and present danger to life or property….” The very first recourse would be to notify 9-1-1. This should always…
I am a member operator and have received a locate request. The underground facilities in the area of proposed excavation are older, non-metal lines, which cannot be located by audible locating equipment. Hence, excavation to locate underground facilities is necessary. Do I have to call for a locate request so that I can dig/locate pursuant to the locate request I received?
Exemptions exist for the purposes of “locating, repairing, connecting, or protecting, or routine maintenance of, the member operator’s underground facilities…” as long as the excavation is with hand tools by the member operator, or an agent of the member operator,…
I am only a small utility. Do I have to be a member of Sunshine State One-Call of Florida?
Yes. Pursuant to 556.104, F.S., “any person who furnishes or transports materials or services by means of an underground facility in this state shall participate as a member operator of the system….”
After calling Sunshine State One-Call and receiving my ticket, what happens if the utilities have not located or given me an “all clear” notification? Can I proceed with excavation?
Yes, but with certain stipulations. First, the excavator should contact Sunshine State One-Call to request a second notice be sent to the member operators. Second, a non-compliance form should be requested from the non-compliance department (non-compliance forms can also be…
I was digging and hit an underground line without breaking it. What should I do?
“Damage means any impact upon or contact with, including, without limitations, penetrating, striking, scraping, displacing, or denting, however slight, the protective coating, housing, or other protective devices of any underground facility, or the removal or weakening of any lateral or…
When I call Sunshine State-One-Call for a locate request, the customer service representative reads a list of member operators who will be notified. They also inform me that I must “notify all non-members directly.” How can I determine if a non-member exists in my proposed excavation area?
Many times, the utilities in a specific area will be listed on some sort of marking in the easement or right-of-way; simply comparing the listing of member operators given by the customer service representative to any markings posted in your…
If I’m a sub-contractor on a job, do I have to get a ticket or will the general contractor’s ticket protect me?
There is no such thing as a blanket ticket. If you are a sub-contractor and you are excavating, protect yourself and your company by calling to get a ticket. The general contractor’s ticket does not apply to anyone except him…
What is the H2O Plus program?
H2O Plus is an innovative program that puts technology to work to save energy. Cycling the water heaters of participating members throughout our service territory helps reduce the demand for electricity during hours of peak energy usage.