--- title: Understanding Marking Standards for Safe Digging description: Safe digging starts with understanding how to correctly identify underground utilities. 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 ![Understanding Marking Standards for Safe Digging](https://blog.missouri-811.org/hubfs/GoodLocates.jpg) Apr 29, 2024 12:04:22 PM | [Spring 2024](https://blog.missouri-811.org/the-scoop/tag/spring-2024) # Understanding Marking Standards for Safe Digging Safe digging starts with understanding how to correctly identify underground utilities. Share - [mailto:?&subject=Understanding%20Marking%20Standards%20for%20Safe%20Digging&body=Understanding%20Marking%20Standards%20for%20Safe%20Digging%0A(https%3A%2F%2Fblog.missouri-811.org%2Fthe-scoop%2Funderstanding-marking-standards-for-safe-digging)](mailto:?&subject=Understanding%20Marking%20Standards%20for%20Safe%20Digging&body=Understanding%20Marking%20Standards%20for%20Safe%20Digging%0A(https%3A%2F%2Fblog.missouri-811.org%2Fthe-scoop%2Funderstanding-marking-standards-for-safe-digging)) - - - Safe digging starts with understanding how to correctly identify underground facilities. By following the CGA Marking Standards, we ensure that each facility is marked according to the type of service it provides, using a specific color code. When you see markings, you’ll notice:  - Appropriate Color: Each color corresponds to a different type of underground facility which helps in identifying what lies beneath. - Company Identifier: Look for the name, initials, or an abbreviation to know which company owns the facility. - Facility Details: The total number of facilities and their sizes are indicated, along with a description (e.g., HP for high pressure, FO for fiber optic). - Marking Tools: Paint, flags, stakes, whiskers, or a combination thereof are used for clear visibility. Chapter 319.015 (7) states that “Marking,” emphasizes using paint, flags, stakes, whiskers, or a combination of these to indicate the field location of underground utilities or the area of proposed excavation. The standard follows the Common Ground Alliance Best Practices Version 10.0, highlighting that the “approximate location” must be within a strip not wider than the utility plus two feet on either side. However, in complex situations, a broader area might be marked to ensure safety. ***These markings are not just guidelines—they are crucial for preventing damage and ensuring the safety of everyone involved in excavation projects.*** ![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 ### [![Understanding Marking Standards for Safe Digging](https://blog.missouri-811.org/hubfs/Email-1.png) *Apr 29, 2024 12:04:31 PM | Spring 2024* Confirming Ticket Responses](https://blog.missouri-811.org/the-scoop/confirming-ticket-responses) ### [![Understanding Marking Standards for Safe Digging](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) ### [![Understanding Marking Standards for Safe Digging](https://blog.missouri-811.org/hubfs/MO811_TheScoop_Fall2025_OnlineVersion_Header.png) *Dec 3, 2025 1:38:47 PM | Fall 2025* SB 133: Big Changes for Safe Digging](https://blog.missouri-811.org/the-scoop/sb-133-big-changes-for-safe-digging) [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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