It's the Law!

Missouri law sections 319.010 through 319.050 are known as the "Underground Facility Safety and Damage Prevention Act" which requires that any person making or beginning any excavation notify all underground facility owners/operators which may be affected by the excavation at least 48 hours, but not more than ten working days in advance, except in the case of emergency (see below and see section 319.015 ).  Missouri law defines a "working day" as everyday, except Saturday, Sunday, or a legally declared local, state, or federal holiday.

How can I request a cable locate?

Please contact the Missouri One Call System at 800-DIG-RITE (800-344-7483) to initiate location services.  The University will be notified by One Call and all facilities will be located.  Networking and Telecommunications also accepts locate requests directly from the Planning, Design, and Construction and from the Facilities Management Departments who should contact Networking and Telecommunications at 417-836-8580 before digging on University property.  We locate all communications facilities using orange paint and will pass on all locate requests to Facilities Management who will locate all other facilities.

If there is an emergency after hours, call the Public Safety Office at 417-836-5509 (extension 6-5509 on a campus phone).  If in doubt, call us!  A simple phone call could save someone's life (gas, electric, etcetera), it could save you thousands of dollars in repair costs, and besides, it's the law.  Remember, Missouri law requires locates to be performed at least 48 hours, but not more than 10 working days, prior to excavations.

Utility Color Codes

The following are standard color codes used to locate facilities.  All paint is water based and will fade quite quickly.  This is another reason cable locates are only valid for 10 working days.