What should be called in before beginning the surveying phase of pipeline construction?

• A. 911
• B. 811
• C. 311
• D. 411

Answer: (B)

Before beginning the surveying phase of pipeline construction, it is essential to call 811, which is the designated national phone number in the United States for locating underground utility lines. This service is crucial for ensuring the safety of the pipeline construction process, as it helps prevent accidental damage to existing utilities such as gas, electric, water, and telecommunication lines.

Calling 811 allows utility companies to mark the approximate locations of their underground infrastructure, making it safer for construction crews to carry out their work without risking interruption of services or causing hazardous situations. This call is typically required by law in many jurisdictions prior to any digging or construction activity.

In the context of the other options, 911 is an emergency services number, 311 is generally used for non-emergency municipal inquiries, and 411 is typically associated with directory assistance. None of these numbers serve the purpose of facilitating safety in construction activities related to underground utilities like 811 does.