The Corporation Commission recently partnered with Arizona 811, previously called Arizona Blue Stake, to initiate the first Metro Phoenix Region Damage Prevention & Safety Seminars of 2016.

The free seminars were held earlier this week. They are designed to assist contractors in safety, helping them to follow the law during excavation projects in Arizona.

All homeowners and contractors must make a utility-line location ticket with Arizona 811, whether they go online to the organization’s E-Stake or call 8-1-1. Neither homeowners nor contractors are allowed to start their projects before receiving the utility-line location ticket.

The purpose of the ticket is to take note of the location and its pipes, underground lines and cables. Without contacting Arizona 811, homeowners and contractors chance causing costly damage, injuries and deaths.

Free seminars about these safety issues are being held this week. The first round was on Feb. 18, and the second is scheduled for Feb. 25. They will take place at the Arizona 811 Center, located at 1405 W. Auto Drive, Tempe, Arizona. The seminars will begin at noon for pre-registered participants. Everyone must pre-register to attend.

If homeowners or contractors are unable to attend, there will be more free seminars later this year in southern Arizona, Metro Phoenix and northern Arizona.