From track hoes to augers, shovels to spades —locating underground power lines before you dig is key to preventing potentially deadly incidents. At least five days before breaking ground, submit a locate request to Alberta One-Call online or call 1-800-242-3447.

After processing your request, Alberta One-Call will notify registered underground facility owners of your project and a representative will be sent to your worksite where they’ll locate and mark all underground facilities with coloured paint called chevrons, stakes or flags.

Electrical lines will be marked red, but it’s important to know the colour code for all underground hazards.

If you have to disturb the ground within one metre on either side of a chevron…

You’ll need to use excavation techniques approved by the underground facility owner. Once the line is exposed, you can use mechanical digging equipment to dig near the line. Always use a spotter to make sure your equipment stays at least 30cm (one foot) away from the line.