From the Desk of Scott Sasajima 
 
As of August 1, 2019, Texas811 became the only One-Call center to serve the state of Texas. What does this mean for excavators? It means you get only   one  ticket number instead of two. In other words, the   one  ticket from Texas811 will have   all  the facility operators being notified listed. Ticket formats, ticket numbers, and your experience with 811 will be consistent. If you prefer to call, you'll get us every time. If you'd rather save time, and self-service your locate request, sign up   here. We look forward to keeping you safe!
 
Many homeowners still do not call 811 when digging on their property. Take a moment to educate, or remind, friends and family that 811 is free. It can help protect them and the underground lines that provide electricity, gas, internet, phone, TV, water, and sewer to their homes. "Safe digging is no accident!"  

 
Sincerely,

Scott Sasajima
Director of Operations
Texas811
We include content relevant to excavators in Texas; news you can use. Expect to see an issue in your inbox once a quarter. Feel free to pass this to others within your organization. If they are interested in getting a copy every quarter, ask them to click below to be added to the distribution list.



Upgrade your Online Ticket Entry Experience
 
Texas811 offers two versions of our online ticket entry and management system. The following chart should help you decide which works best for you.


If you want to use Portal+. Texas811 offers a, FREE, online Portal+ training course.
 
This training allows you to:
  • Proceed at your own pace.
  • Access the training at your convenience, even 24/7.
  • Learn using interactive modules
  • Access Portal+ features immediately following training.
 
To begin using Portal+ email RemoteApps@texas811.org , with your first and last name, company name, and direct contact number, to take advantage of this, FREE, online training.
 



Keeping Yourself Safe around Gas Leaks
 
There are almost two million miles of underground gas lines in Texas; chances are there's one near where you are working. It is important you know what to do to keep yourself, and those around you, safe if you encounter a gas leak.
 
Any contact with a gas line while excavating can damage a pipeline and cause a leak, even if you're just using hand tools. We'll cover how to respond if that happens in the next newsletter. This time we're concentrating on how to respond whenever you encounter a possible gas leak regardless of the cause of the leak.

Gas leaks can be identified by smell, sound, or sight. If you observe one or more of the signs below, near a pipeline, it could indicate a gas line leak:


What to do if there is a gas leak

1. Stop working and immediately leave the area of the leak.

  • Do not turn electrical appliances or lights on or off or use any device that could generate a spark.
  • Do not use your cell phone or a landline. If you are currently on a landline, do not hang up.
  • Do not smoke, or make a spark or flame.
  • Do not start your car engine or any mechanized equipment.
  • Move upwind of the leak.

2. Once you are a safe distance from the suspected leak, report the leak to 911.

  • Contact 811 or call the gas company directly to report the leak.
  • Remain a safe distance from the suspected leak until someone from the gas company or an emergency responder says it is safe to return.
  • Warn others to stay away from the area.

Knowing how to remain safe around potential gas leaks is important to everyone. Please make sure your family and coworkers are aware of these safety tips.
Taking Pictures Before Excavations Can Prevent Problems Later
You probably don't take pictures of your work before you begin excavating, but some experts say you should.
Their recommendation: Take cellphone photos of your worksite before you begin excavating. This documents the condition of the site prior to excavation and the presence and location of locator marks.
These photos provide documentation in case of a future incident or  questions. This is a Best Practice recommendation of the American Petroleum Institute and is required by several state one-call laws.
Here's what you should do:
  • Photograph the entire site from all angles.
  • Use a smartphone app like Solocator GPS Field Camera (available for iPhone and Android phones for $0.99).
  • Solocator overlays information on the photo: GPS location, compass direction, altitude, date and time stamp (See photos below).
  • Attach photos to the locate ticket for future reference and documentation.

The Excavator Guide is Now Available Online

Click  HERE to access the Excavator Guide online



 
Upcoming Holidays
 
The following State and National Holidays are observed, which means they are not included in the 48-hour period between requesting a notification and when it must be marked. Please keep this in mind, and request your locates early enough to account for the Holidays.
  • Monday, November 11, Veterans Day
  • Thursday, November 28, Thanksgiving Day
  • Friday, November 29, Day After Thanksgiving 
  • Wednesday, December 25, Christmas Day

*Holidays that fall on a weekend are not observed.