Page 11 - Arkansas 811 Magazine 2022 Issue 2

internet is being placed underground, making calling before you dig even more important.
Contract locators will tell you that typically there are telecommunications lines at sites they have been called
to locate, and because so many more people are working from a home office, cutting a fiber running through neighborhoods will do more than just cause the loss of telephone service as it once did. Telecommunications vital to the homeowner’s employment and even the homeowner’s health can be disrupted.
One call laws continue to emphasize the importance of calling before you dig and that is a critical first step in protecting any underground utility. Another very important step is to respect the mark and the tolerance zone. Too many times the call has been made, the marks are correct and then the damage occurs because the utility lines were not properly exposed within the tolerance zone.
We certainly recognize the importance of educating stakeholders in regard to Arkansas laws regulating excavation in the state. Most understand the immediate dangers associated
Some would say that the same excavators are not as careful when digging around orange paint.
with digging around pipelines, gas distribution and underground power lines.
Some would say that the same excavators are not as careful when digging around orange paint. Fiber damage can disrupt cell service,
credit card machines, internet or life sustaining facilities such as 911 centers, police and fire stations and hospitals. Even air traffic control and Homeland Security rely on the technology that fiber provides. Depending on the severity and circumstances of the damage, it could take anywhere from four to as many as 48 hours to restore service.
Certain interruptions to service can be an inconvenience while others can be life threatening. It is important
to understand the consequences of damaging underground utilities.
If you hit the right pipeline, you may place the immediate neighborhood and your own life in jeopardy. Cut the right fiber and you may create chaos and danger to communities far beyond the horizon. Respect the paint and not just the color of the paint. Education is the key. Spread the word.
PIPELINE SAFETY
IS NO ACCIDENT
Join NuStar and Paradigm for breakfast or dinner to discuss the mutual responsibilities of safe excavation practices and the potential consequences of unsafe digging. Paradigm works with Arkansas pipeline operators to oversee the implementation and success of these meetings. For additional safety resources please visit ar.pipeline-awareness.com
ARKANSAS 2022 MEETINGS
SCAN HERE
and register to attend a meeting near you.
7-12-22 El Dorado, AR 7-13-22 Pine Bluff, AR 7-14-22 Little Rock, AR 7-19-22 Searcy, AR 7-20-22 Melbourne, AR
5:30 PM 5:30 PM 7:30 AM 5:30 PM 5:30 PM
CoRE-EX CoRE-EX EXCAVATOR CoRE-EX CoRE-EX
Unable to attend in-person? Please join us online at: www.trainingcenter.pdigm.com/tc/login
2022, Issue 2 Arkansas 811 Magazine • 9