A Simple Step with a Big Impact on Safety
Positive response is an important tool that allows member utilities to communicate the status of a locate request directly with the excavator. Kentucky 811’s Locator Tickets software and the Kentucky 811 app make providing electronic positive response free and easy for KY 811 members!
The Positive Response Loop
Positive response’s ability to provide full-circle communication increases clarity and reduces the chance of a damage occurring. Each stakeholder plays an important role in the positive response loop:
Excavator
Contacts Kentucky 811 to place a locate request. They can then check positive response statuses before heading out to a job site or contact the member utility directly with any questions about the status.
Kentucky 811
Sends the locate request to the member utility and hosts the software that communicates positive response status in real time. When positive response is posted using Locator Tickets or a system connected to it, it ensures clear communication is available to all of the project’s stakeholders.
Locator
Marks utilities for locate requests and communicates the status of the request through Locator Tickets or the member utility’s system. Positive response allows the locator transparency in their marking progress and a status-based record of their locate.
Member Utility
Responds to the locate request by assigning a locator to mark their utilities at the job site. Positive response reduces the risk of the member’s utility being damaged, as excavators can confidently confirm marking status before they begin to dig.
Although participating in positive response is not required by Kentucky state law, it is a best practice recommended by the national Common Ground Alliance (CGA). It’s a free tool we encourage all member utilities, locators, and excavators to participate in to decrease the chance of damages.
