When should I click or call?

Click or call BC 1 Call before you dig applies to outdoor improvement projects, big or small, such as:

For more on why you should click or call, check out this CTV News interview BC 1 Call’s CEO Chris Hyland.

STEP 1

Let's get started

For a full list of the information you will need to complete a Locate Request ticket, click here: Information Checklist

  • If you are calling our Call Centre to place your Locate Request ticket, make it easy on yourself by printing off and completing the  form prior to calling.
  • If you are placing your Locate Request ticket online and are unsure of how to complete the form, refer to the Information Checklist for clarification on what is required for each field, and which fields a homeowner can skip. If you need help while completing an online ticket, don't hesitate to use the Chat function. Note this checklist form is NOT an Online Locate Request ticket form.  Click on the red bar at the end of this page labeled "Submit a Ticket for Free" to get to the online form, after first registering yourself in our system. Our Agents are standing by to help you during call centre hours.

There are no charges or costs to you for anything associated with this process.

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FREE LOCATE REQUESTS

Request a locate online 24/7/365. Learn how here.

Or call our toll-free number: 1-800-474-6886 during Call Centre hours

Prior to calling in a Locate Request, please be ready with all required information.

See: Information Checklist

Disclaimer

CALL CENTRE HOURS

Monday to Friday

7:00 am to 5:00 pm PST - excluding holidays

Any time for emergency calls

STEP 2

We issue a BC 1 Call confirmation ticket

We identify your excavation site on our mapping system.
When your site has been located, the BC 1 Call Damage Prevention Agent can identify which of our members has underground services buried on or near your site.

We issue a BC 1 Call confirmation ticket number.

You will receive a confirmation of receipt of your locate request with details of your project and the names of our members with buried facilities in your area that have been notified. You will also be advised to contact any other parties who may have underground facilities in your excavation area but are not BC 1 Call members (see Member List).

Your ticket number is confirmation of your request and should be retained until the work has been completed.

You are not clear to excavate until all members notified have contacted you. BC 1 Call does not confirm clearance to dig.

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EMERGENCY LOCATE REQUESTS

Involve one or more of the following:
• Repair or replacement of essential services
• Environmental contamination
• Clean up of oil or hazardous waste spills
• A safety concern with emergency crews on-site or en-route

Call 1-800-474-6886 for emergency locate requests. Our members will respond ASAP.

Do not use BC 1 Call online tickets for emergency locates.

STEP 3

Our members get back to you

Once our member companies receive the ticket giving notice of your dig project they determine if their underground facilities are dangerously near or across your site.

Each member company will respond to your request within three working days excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Members will provide one or more of the following services:

  • Site plans of their underground services showing the location on or near your site
  • Physical surface markings by sending a representative to your site
  • Digging instructions and other relevant safety information

Your excavation must start within 14 calendar days from the request date of the ticket.  If excavation has commenced within the 14 calendar days, only then is the ticket valid for 30 calendar days from the request date of the ticket. Some member companies may request more frequent update requirements.

Some utility owners do not identify services on private property. Private property services are sometimes referred to as secondary lines or house lines as they have been installed by a developer and not the utility owner. Secondary lines can be located by engaging private contractors to do the work.

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NO RESPONSE?

If a member company does not respond to a request within the three working days contact BC 1 Call at info@bc1c.ca and we will follow up with the appropriate member on your behalf.

STEP 4

Check that you’re ready to dig

Take the following precautions as you proceed with your excavation:

  • Measure and mark your site to show where the underground services are
  • Hand dig to expose the services before using any mechanical equipment for
    heavy digging

It is the excavator’s responsibility to follow all digging instructions that have been provided by the utility owner.

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IMPORTANT!

There are strict requirements when digging within dedicated “rights of way”, which contain high pressure oil or gas pipelines. Check that you obtain all required permits as indicated by the utility owner or operator. In many cases the requirements will include having an inspector on site while you dig.

ONLINE LOCATE REQUEST WEBINAR

Learn how to request a locate online

If you are new to BC 1 Call or would like to learn how to request a locate online, you can watch our free webinar. It will walk you through all the steps of the ticket submission process and discuss frequently asked questions.

Beginner's Guide: Placing a Locate Request

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