Now that your utility lines are marked, you can begin digging with care. Indiana state law mandates a 2-foot safety zone on either side of the marks. In the safety zone, you can only dig with hand tools. The size of the safety zone will depend on the size of the underground facility, which is sometimes noted by the utility locating technicians. For example, if a water line is marked as 6 inches wide, the safety zone on both sides of the line is 2 feet 3 inches from the mark. You will only want to use mechanical equipment outside of the zone after you have exposed the line(s) by safely digging with hand tools.
