Safeguarding the Community from Unforeseen Consequences
Welcome, dear readers! In today’s world, safety is a crucial aspect that needs to be considered while performing day-to-day activities. When it comes to construction, repair or excavation work, safety is a top priority. In this article, we will be discussing the Kansas One Call Center – an organization that ensures safety and promotes safe digging practices in Kansas. Read on to learn more about how Kansas One Call Center creates a safer environment for Kansas residents.
What is Kansas One Call Center?
Kansas One Call is a non-profit corporation that provides a free service to the community of Kansas. It is established to ensure that underground utilities are not damaged during construction, excavation or repair work. The organization acts as a liaison between excavators and the owners of the underground facilities. It also provides information to excavators to ensure that they comply with the rules and regulations set by the governing bodies.
Why is it Important to Call Kansas One Call Center Before Digging?
When you call Kansas One Call Center before digging, they will notify all the utility companies that have underground facilities in the area you plan to excavate. This will help them mark the location of their underground facilities, and then you can avoid damaging them. If you don’t call them, you could accidentally hit an underground utility that could lead to loss of service, injury or even death.
Who Should Call Kansas One Call Center?
Anyone who plans to excavate, construct or repair work on private or public property should call Kansas One Call Center before starting the work. Homeowners, farmers, contractors, and municipalities are some examples of people who should call the center before conducting excavations.
Working of Kansas One Call Center
The working of Kansas One Call Center is simple and effective. When an excavator calls the center, they provide information about the excavation site, including the location, type of work, and the duration of the work. After collecting this information, the center takes the necessary steps to notify the underground facility owners in that area. The facility owners then mark the location of their underground utilities within 48 hours of the call. After receiving the location information of the underground utilities, the excavator can start work on the site.
Why is it Necessary to Provide Correct Information to Kansas One Call Center?
When you call Kansas One Call Center, it is essential to provide accurate information about the excavation site. This will help the facility owners to accurately mark the location of their underground facilities. Providing incorrect or incomplete information can cause damage to the underground facilities and delay your work. The accuracy of the information is critical for a safe and successful excavation process.
Services Offered by Kansas One Call Center
Kansas One Call Center provides various services to ensure the safety of residents and property while conducting excavation work. Some of the services offered by the center are:
| Services | Description |
|---|---|
| Notification | The center notifies the utility companies to mark the location of their underground utilities within 48 hours of a call. |
| Training & Education | Kansas One Call Center provides training and education to excavators, facility owners, and other interested parties. |
| Damage Prevention | The center works to prevent damage to underground facilities by providing awareness and education to stakeholders. |
| Compliance | Kansas One Call Center ensures that excavators and facility owners comply with the rules and regulations set by the governing bodies. |
Is the Service Free of Charge?
Yes, the service provided by Kansas One Call Center is free of charge. It is a non-profit organization established to ensure that underground facilities are not damaged during excavation, construction or repair work.
FAQs about Kansas One Call Center
Q: What is the Penalty for Not Calling Kansas One Call Center Before Digging?
A: Failing to call Kansas One Call Center before digging can result in hefty fines, civil and criminal penalties, and even imprisonment. The penalty for not calling can go up to $10,000.
Q: Are All Utility Companies Required to Participate in Kansas One Call System?
A: Yes, all utility companies that have underground facilities in Kansas are required to participate in the Kansas One Call system.
Q: How Long Does It Take for Facility Owners to Mark the Underground Utilities?
A: Facility owners have 48 hours from the time of a call to mark the location of their underground utilities.
Q: Can I Start Excavating Before the Underground Utilities Are Marked?
A: No, you cannot start excavating until you receive the location information of the underground utilities from the facility owners.
Q: Do I Need to Call Kansas One Call Center for Minor Excavations?
A: Yes, you need to call Kansas One Call Center, regardless of the size of the excavation.
Q: What Information Do I Need to Provide When Calling Kansas One Call Center?
A: You need to provide information about the location of the excavation site, type of work, and duration of the work.
Q: How Long Does It Take for Kansas One Call Center to Notify the Facility Owners?
A: Kansas One Call Center notifies the facility owners within two hours of the call.
Q: How Long Does It Take to Get a Ticket Number?
A: You receive a ticket number immediately after calling Kansas One Call Center.
Q: What Are the Hours of Kansas One Call Center?
A: Kansas One Call Center is available 24/7.
Q: How Far in Advance Should I Call Kansas One Call Center?
A: You should call Kansas One Call Center at least two business days before starting excavation work.
Q: Can I Call Kansas One Call Center Online?
A: Yes, you can call Kansas One Call Center online through their website or mobile application.
Q: What Should I Do If I Accidentally Damage an Underground Utility?
A: If you accidentally damage an underground utility, you should immediately notify the utility company and Kansas One Call Center.
Q: How Can I Contact Kansas One Call Center?
A: You can contact Kansas One Call Center by calling 811 or by visiting their website or mobile application.
Q: Can I Get Punished for Accidentally Damaging an Underground Utility?
A: If you accidentally damage an underground utility, you may be subject to fines and penalties, but it depends on the extent of the damage and the cause of the damage. It is essential to report the damage to the utility company and Kansas One Call Center as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Kansas One Call Center plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of residents and property in Kansas. By providing a free service to the community, the organization promotes safe digging practices and prevents damage to underground facilities during excavation, construction, or repair work. By making a call to Kansas One Call Center before digging, you can avoid unforeseen consequences, including injury, loss of service or even death. We encourage our readers to take advantage of the services provided by Kansas One Call Center and ensure a safer environment for their community.
Thank you for reading! We hope that this article has provided valuable insights into the importance of Kansas One Call Center and how it promotes safe digging practices in Kansas.
Disclaimer
The information in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you require legal advice, please contact an attorney.