1. Reducing ticket length from 45 days to 30 days. [amends OAR 952-001-0010 (23)]
2. Adding hand digging, air cutting, vacuum excavation or hydro vacuum excavation to the definition of “non-invasive methods.” [amends OAR 952-001-0010]
3. Defining “large area” as a project exceeding seven hundred fifty linear feet. [amends OAR 952-001-0010 (10)]
4. Allowing for the use of electronic white lining. [amends OAR 952-001-0040]
5. Working within a facility enclosure exempted from notification requirement. [amends OAR 952-001-0050 (2)]
6. Clarifying design locate request process, delivery of drawings and maps owned by facility operators during planning. [amends OAR 952-001-0080]
7. Specifying recruitment partners for OUNC board. [adds OAR 952-001-0002]

The Oregon Utility Notification Center adopts rules that regulate the notification and marking of underground facilities to prevent damage to underground facilities. Written comments on the proposed changes were invited starting January 1, 2024, and public comment was welcomed at the OUNC Board Meeting on July 18, 2024 and October 17, 2024.

Media Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: April 5, 2023
pdf for download

Contacts: Josh Thomas, OUNC Executive Director
[email protected], (503) 317-5007

Kandi Young, PUC Public Information Officer
[email protected], (503) 551-5290

Aaron Corvin, Oregon OSHA Public Information Officer
[email protected], (971) 718-6973

SAFE DIGGING MONTH REMINDS OREGONIANS TO CONTACT 811 BEFORE DIGGING

SALEM, Ore. – In recognition of National Safe Digging Month, the Oregon Utility Notification Center (OUNC), Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA), and Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) remind Oregonians to contact 811 before starting projects that require digging.

Whether a professional contractor or do-it-yourselfer, all play an important role in preventing damage to underground utilities. No matter how big or small a project, contact Oregon 811 to avoid life-threatening injuries and prevent costly damage to necessary utility services. There are three easy steps to safe digging in Oregon:

1. Submit a locate request at least two business days before starting a digging project at Oregon811.com or by calling 811.
2. Wait for utilities to mark the underground lines.
3. Dig carefully, paying close attention to the marks.

Once a locate request is made, the OUNC, which operates the free 811 one-call center, notifies the utility companies that serve the area of the planned project. Utility personnel then visit the project site to mark the approximate location of the underground lines, pipes, and cables in the planned digging area at no cost to the homeowner or employer.

Meanwhile, employers must follow Oregon OSHA requirements to protect workers against the potential hazards of underground utilities. Those requirements include:

1. Notifying OUNC of the proposed area of excavations at least two working days before starting an excavation.
2. Estimating the location of utilities before opening or extending an excavation.
3. Determining by safe and acceptable means, the exact location of the estimated utility installations when excavation activities approach them.
4. While excavations are open, underground installations must be protected, supported, or removed as necessary to safeguard employees.

Read more

 Contact: Josh Thomas, Executive Director, Oregon Utility Notification Center
503-317-5007 | [email protected] 

This Thursday, August 11 (8/11), is National 811 Day. Also known as National Safe Digging Day, the observance exists to raise awareness about contacting 811 before beginning a digging or excavation project. The Oregon Utility Notification Center, which oversees the statewide call or click before you dig program, is reminding Oregonians that using the free service can save money and lives. 

“None of us have x-ray vision to see underground utilities before breaking ground, and we know there are a lot of construction and home improvement projects happening this time of year,” said Josh Thomas, Executive Director of the Oregon Utility Notification Center. “National Safe Digging Day is a perfect time to remind everyone to contact 811 first so they don’t have to call 911.”  Read more