Every day across Illinois, you build the communities we call home. On the job, your role is to protect fellow crew members and the infrastructure that keeps Illinois connected by following safe digging practices. That starts with contacting JULIE before you dig to reduce the risk of striking an underground utility line.
Contacting JULIE is just one part of the excavation safety process. Following all five steps helps you not only prevent utility line damage but also keep projects on schedule, avoid costly delays, and prevent injuries.
Pre-mark the dig site with white paint, flags, chalk, lath, or whiskers
Provide a clear and concise verbal or written description of the proposed excavation area
Look for the flags and marks
Check JULIE’s Positive Response system
Don’t remove flags, stakes or whiskers until your project is finished
If paint or chalk becomes indistinguishable, request REFRESH MARKS via REV
Pothole or dig by hand within the tolerance zone
Contact the utility company and JULIE immediately if you accidentally strike a line
JULIE’s Positive Response system provides a convenient way for utility companies to communicate to you the status of your locate requests…whether you’re in the office or in the field. By law, all JULIE member utility companies must indicate how they responded to each locate request through the Positive Response system. Before excavation begins, you’re responsible for confirming that all utility operators listed on your ticket have marked the excavation site, cleared the area, or notified you that they were unable to mark the site. All you need is your ticket number and Internet access.
JULIE’s Positive Response system provides a convenient way for utility companies to communicate to you the status of your locate requests…whether you’re in the office or in the field. By law, all JULIE member utility companies must indicate how they responded to each locate request through the Positive Response system. Before excavation begins, you’re responsible for confirming that all utility operators listed on your ticket have marked the excavation site, cleared the area, or notified you that they were unable to mark the site. All you need is your ticket number and Internet access.
A productive and accident-free job site starts with preparation. Equip your crews with the knowledge they need to work safely and efficiently with a presentation from one of JULIE’s Damage Prevention Managers. Schedule a safety demonstration, toolbox talk, or on-site meeting before your next project to help identify potential risks, improve planning, and reduce the likelihood of injuries, damages and delays.
Safe digging starts with informed crews. JULIE Essentials online training offers up-to-the-minute information and resources every excavator in Illinois needs to know about utility line damage prevention. For your convenience, sessions can be taken whenever contractors have the time—from a laptop, tablet or smart phone.
Don’t let a preventable safety violation impact your project. Consequences for ignoring safe digging requirements can include more than utility line damages and personal injuries; they can also include penalties ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 per violation assessed by the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). Complying with the law is one of the simplest ways to protect your crews, your reputation, your bottom line…and the community where you work.
Accurate: all locate request information is stored in one place
Convenient: check responses on your schedule, anytime 24/7
Time-saver: access the system from anywhere
