09/4/2024 Tampa DPC

FDOT Inspections and Unnecessary Locates:
Locate requests are often made for entire projects in anticipation of FDOT inspections, leading to unnecessary markings. Suggestions include pre-inspections to identify specific excavation areas and limit requests to those locations.

Communication Between Field Staff and Locate Coordinators:
Effective communication ensures ticket renewals are accurate and limited to necessary areas, avoiding unnecessary premarking and saving time.

No Access Positive Responses:
Issues arise when locators use "no access" responses despite accessible areas. Excavators were advised to document efforts to contact locators, escalate concerns to supervisors, and proceed cautiously under the law if locates are incomplete.

Agreement Codes Without Contact:
Delays are often marked with agreement codes without excavator consent. Excavators requested improved documentation of delay reasons, timelines, and direct contact with locators. Suggestions included enhancements to Exactix for better tracking.

High-Priority Notifications (HPSI):
Excavators were reminded to provide adequate notice and coordination for high-priority facilities, such as gas lines, to allow time for necessary construction watches.

Large and Long-Scope Projects:
Improved coordination is needed for large-scale projects, including breaking down tickets into manageable phases. Subcontractors working off prime contractor notifications present challenges, and there are differing practices regarding ticket responsibility.

Service Line Locating and Map Accuracy:
Telecommunication companies often fail to locate service lines or drops. Excavators should report unmarked lines and document incidents. Locators' reliance on outdated maps also results in "clear/no conflict" responses despite visible evidence of underground utilities.

Sharing Contact Information:
Requests were made to provide utility contacts through Sunshine 811. Current limitations include outdated or incomplete information. Sunshine 811 liaisons remain a resource.

FDOT Permit Outreach:
A proposed initiative would include educational materials in FDOT permits to improve communication and reduce conflicts during utility work.

Damage Prevention Standards:
Contractors for certain utilities are required to adhere to Common Ground Alliance Damage Prevention Initiative (DPI) Standards. Sunshine 811 is evaluating these standards for broader implementation.

Sunshine 811 Training Opportunities:
Free monthly training on the one-call system is available on the second Thursday of each month at noon, covering key topics like communication, coordination, and legal compliance.