Positive Response: A Simple Way to Improve Safety and Save Time
Positive response is an important tool that allows facility operators and locators to communicate the status of a locate request directly with the excavator. This full-circle communication increases clarity and reduces the chance of a damage occurring.
Each stakeholder plays an important role in the positive response loop.
Excavator:
Contacts the Oregon 811 Contact Center to place a locate request. They can then check positive response status before heading out to a job site or contact the facility operator directly with any questions about the status. Positive response provides the excavator with additional information to know if they can proceed with digging before they get to the job site – allowing them to plan ahead – and opens up communication about facilities at the job site.
Oregon 811 Contact Center:
Sends the locate request to the facility operator and hosts the software that communicates positive response status in real time. When positive response is posted using this software or a system connected to it, it ensures clear communication is available to all of the stakeholders of a project.
Facility Operator:
Responds to locate requests by assigning a locator to mark their utilities at the job site. Positive response reduces the risk of the operator’s facility being damaged, as excavators can confidently confirm marking status before they begin to dig.
Locator:
Marks utilities for locate requests and communicates the status of the request through Locator Tickets or the facility operator’s system. Positive response allows the locator transparency in their marking progress and a status-based record of their locate.
Getting set up to participate in positive response is simple.
Send us an email at [email protected] to let the Oregon 811 Contact Center team know you’re ready to get set up to participate in positive response. Whether you respond to locate requests with the free Locator Tickets portal, your own system, or a combination, our team makes getting set up a convenient and easy process.
We encourage Oregon excavators and facility operators to unite with the OUNC in preventing damage to underground utilities and ensuring public safety by participating in positive response.
Melanie Lewis, OUNC Chairperson
FAQ
What is positive response?
Positive response allows facility operators and locators to communicate the status of a locate request directly with the excavator.
Why is positive response important?
When facility operators and locators participate in positive response, it closes the loop of communication between them and the project’s excavators. This gives excavators the additional information they need to work safely at the job site.
Is positive response required?
Participating in positive response is not required by Oregon state law, but is a best practice recommended by the national Common Ground Alliance (CGA). It’s a free tool we encourage all facility operators, locators, and excavators to participate in to decrease the chance of damages.
I’m an excavator – how do I check positive response?
There are multiple ways to check positive response status:
- Click the link included on the ticket in the confirmation email
- Log into your ITICnxt account and go to the “My Tickets” section
- Use Search and Status to search for any ticket
If a facility operator participates in positive response, you’ll see their current status. If they do not participate by responding back to the Contact Center with a positive response, you’ll see “Does not participate.” They’re still required to do the locate, but it won’t be confirmed it in the system.
How can my company get set up to participate in positive response?
Please send an email to [email protected]. Our team will let you know what information is needed for the set up and answer any questions you may have – our team makes getting set up a free and easy process!
I’m not sure if my company is set up to participate in positive response. How can I check?
The best way to confirm if you’re set up to participate in positive response is by emailing [email protected]. Our team will let you know if you’re already set up or get the set-up process started.
I use the Locator Tickets portal. Do I still need to get set up?
Yes, but positive response capabilities can easily be added to your account. Please send an email to [email protected] and our team will get the free set-up process started.
Do I need to replace my current process or system to provide positive response?
No changes needed. A connection can be set up between the Oregon 811 Contact Center and your existing system to allow for positive response to be sent directly to excavators. If you use the Locator Tickets portal, positive response can easily be added to your account.
Alternatively, you can use Locator Tickets in conjunction with your current system or software just to post positive response – it’s free and easy to use!
Ready to get set up? Please send an email to [email protected]. Our team will get the set-up process started.
I have questions. Who can I contact?
Please email the Oregon 811 Contact Center at [email protected] and our team will answer your questions.
FAQ didn’t answer your question?
Feel Free to Contact Us with your question.
