--- title: The Importance of Clear Marks description: Safety is paramount when undertaking any excavation project, and in Missouri, adhering to the guidance provided by Missouri 811 plays a crucial role in ensuring that every dig is a safe dig. image: https://blog.missouri-811.org/hubfs/GoodLocates.jpg --- [![MOCS Full Color Horizontal](https://blog.missouri-811.org/hs-fs/hubfs/MOCS%20Full%20Color%20Horizontal.png?width=400&height=150&name=MOCS%20Full%20Color%20Horizontal.png "MOCS Full Color Horizontal")](https://missouri-811.org/) - [HOMEOWNERS](https://missouri-811.org/homeowners/) - [EXCAVATORS](https://missouri-811.org/excavators/) - [UTILITY MEMBERS](https://missouri-811.org/members/) - [RESOURCES](https://missouri-811.org/resources/) - [FIELD EDUCATION & TRAINING](https://missouri-811.org/field-education-training/request-training/) - [ENFORCEMENT](https://missouri-811.org/enforcement/) - [MEETINGS & EVENTS](https://missouri-811.org/meetings-events/) - [ABOUT](https://missouri-811.org/about/) - [HOMEOWNERS](https://missouri-811.org/homeowners/) - [EXCAVATORS](https://missouri-811.org/excavators/) - [UTILITY MEMBERS](https://missouri-811.org/members/) - [RESOURCES](https://missouri-811.org/resources/) - [FIELD EDUCATION & TRAINING](https://missouri-811.org/field-education-training/request-training/) - [ENFORCEMENT](https://missouri-811.org/enforcement/) - [MEETINGS & EVENTS](https://missouri-811.org/meetings-events/) - [ABOUT](https://missouri-811.org/about/) Search Search - [811](tel:+811) - [811](tel:+811) Search Search ![The Importance of Clear Marks](https://blog.missouri-811.org/hubfs/GoodLocates.jpg) Nov 14, 2023 10:10:25 AM | [Fall 2023](https://blog.missouri-811.org/the-scoop/tag/fall-2023) # The Importance of Clear Marks Safety is paramount when undertaking any excavation project, and in Missouri, adhering to the guidance provided by Missouri 811 plays a crucial role in ensuring that every dig is a safe dig. Share - [mailto:?&subject=The%20Importance%20of%20Clear%20Marks&body=The%20Importance%20of%20Clear%20Marks%0A(https%3A%2F%2Fblog.missouri-811.org%2Fthe-scoop%2Fthe-importance-of-clear-marks)](mailto:?&subject=The%20Importance%20of%20Clear%20Marks&body=The%20Importance%20of%20Clear%20Marks%0A(https%3A%2F%2Fblog.missouri-811.org%2Fthe-scoop%2Fthe-importance-of-clear-marks)) - - - **The Importance of Clear Marks: Ensuring Safe Digging in Missouri**   Safety is paramount when undertaking any excavation project, and in Missouri, adhering to the guidance provided by Missouri 811 plays a crucial role in ensuring that every dig is a safe dig. A significant component of this guidance is the clear and visible marking of underground utilities. However, sometimes these marks can fade or become unreadable. Here’s why it’s essential to prioritize good marks and avoid digging when they are unclear. - Prevention of Damages - Personal and Public Safety - Compliance with Regulations - Cost-Efficiency - Responsibility and Professionalism ***What to Do If Marks Are Faded or Unreadable?***   If you arrive at a site and notice faded or unreadable marks: - Do not proceed with digging.  - Contact Missouri 811 immediately to request a re-marking of the area. - Document the current state of the markings with photos, which can be useful for reference. Clear and readable markings are not just a procedural requirement, but the first line of defense against potential hazards during excavation. By ensuring that we only dig when these marks are in good condition, we uphold the safety and integrity of Missouri’s infrastructure and communities. Always remember: Respect the marks and dig safely!   **GOOD LOCATE** ![GoodLocates](https://blog.missouri-811.org/hs-fs/hubfs/GoodLocates.jpg?width=1032&height=780&name=GoodLocates.jpg) FADED LOCATE ![LocateMarksFaded](https://blog.missouri-811.org/hs-fs/hubfs/LocateMarksFaded.jpg?width=859&height=483&name=LocateMarksFaded.jpg)   ![Missouri 811](https://blog.missouri-811.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Facebook%20Profile.png?width=70&name=Facebook%20Profile.png) ### Written By: Missouri 811 ## You May Also Like ### [![The Importance of Clear Marks](https://blog.missouri-811.org/hubfs/MO811_TheScoop_Spring2026_OnlineVersion_Reviewing319Statutes.jpg) *Apr 8, 2026 2:00:13 PM | Spring 2026* Reviewing Select 319 Statutes](https://blog.missouri-811.org/the-scoop/reviewing-select-319-statutes-2026) ### [![The Importance of Clear Marks](https://blog.missouri-811.org/hubfs/MO811_TheScoop_Spring2025_OnlineVersion_Reviewing319Statutes.png) *May 6, 2025 3:02:17 PM | Spring 2025* Reviewing Select 319 Statutes](https://blog.missouri-811.org/the-scoop/reviewing-select-319-statutes) ### [![The Importance of Clear Marks](https://blog.missouri-811.org/hubfs/Blog%20header%20images5-1.png) *Nov 14, 2022 12:19:46 PM | Fall 2022* The CGA Damage Prevention Summit](https://blog.missouri-811.org/the-scoop/the-cga-damage-prevention-summit) [Learn More](https://www.example.com) [![Missouri 811_Logo_Full Color Reversed Stacked](https://blog.missouri-811.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Missouri%20811_Logo_Full%20Color%20Reversed%20Stacked.png?width=1184&height=976&name=Missouri%20811_Logo_Full%20Color%20Reversed%20Stacked.png "Missouri 811_Logo_Full Color Reversed Stacked")](https://missouri-811.org) ## **PLACE A LOCATE REQUEST** [**CALL 811**](tel:811) Download the App: [![google-play-badge-1](https://blog.missouri-811.org/hubfs/Imported%20sitepage%20images/google-play-badge-1.png "google-play-badge-1")](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.occ.mocs&hl=en_US&gl=US) [![Download_on_the_App_Store_Badge_US](https://blog.missouri-811.org/hubfs/Imported%20sitepage%20images/Download_on_the_App_Store_Badge_US.png "Download_on_the_App_Store_Badge_US")](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/missouri-one-call-system/id1462376234) Office: 573.635.1818 824 Weathered Rock Rd Jefferson City, MO 65101 ## **Follow us on social media.** Stay informed on the latest news and regulation changes. **Always remember to place your locate requests at least 3 working days before you dig. 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