1. What is Sask 1^st Call?

Sask 1^st Call is a “Call Before You Dig” location screening and notification service for contractors and customers who are planning to dig or excavate. Calling Sask 1^st Call will proactively alert the Sask 1^st Call subscriber companies of plans to disturb the ground. Sask 1^st Call will issue line locate request notifications to subscriber companies to ensure that underground facilities are clearly marked before work starts. First Call organizations enhance safety to the public and digging community as well as reduce damage and associated costs to underground facilities.

2. How will the service work?

A call to Sask 1^st Call’s toll free number will connect you to a trained and experienced Sask 1^st Call Customer Service Representative (CSR). Routine locates may also be requested by fax or online.  The CSR will take all the pertinent information concerning the proposed excavation and enter it into the screening database. Specialized screening software will then determine which of the subscriber companies have underground facilities at that location. The subscriber companies affected will then be automatically notified by the system that a line locate is required. Each subscriber company is still responsible to mark their underground lines as usual.

3. What prompted interest in First Call?

Interest in First Call in Saskatchewan has been building for the past 10 years. The success of One Call in Alberta and other jurisdictions throughout North America provided the enthusiasm to deliver a similar service in Saskatchewan. Many of the pipeline companies operating in Saskatchewan have roots in Alberta and are very familiar with the service provided by a First Call organization. The pipeline community is very committed to the First Call philosophy and wanted to lead in the development of First Call in Saskatchewan. SaskEnergy/TransGas being part of the pipeline community determined that a First Call service could be a natural progression of a service already being delivered to its own customers.

4. What other companies are participating?

The Saskatchewan pipeline community were the initial leaders in Saskatchewan First Call. SaskEnergy, TransGas, and 14 different pipeline companies have agreed to establish the initial First Call service in Saskatchewan. SaskTel has also joined Sask 1^st Call and continued growth is an important element of the First Call philosophy. The opportunity exists to extend this service to any agency with underground facilities. A complete list of Sask 1^st Call subscribers are on the website.

5. What are the benefits to Saskatchewan people?

Sask 1^st Call benefits Saskatchewan people by reducing the number of company contacts required when planning to dig or excavate. Sask 1^st Call will screen and/or notify many subscriber companies on behalf of the customer with just one phone call. Public safety is greatly enhanced as many facilities may exist underground unbeknownst to the customer. The Saskatchewan digging community appreciates the convenience of a single phone call to reach many companies and the owners of underground facilities appreciate increased notifications to mark lines.

6. Will there be a cost to customers?

There is no charge to the customer for calling Sask 1^st Call.

7. How much revenue will Sask 1^st Call generate?

First Call organizations generate revenue by issuing notifications (tickets) to member companies. Ticket revenues are equal to operating expenses. First Call operations are generally run as not-for-profit organizations in most jurisdictions. With safety as a cornerstone of our industry, it would be inappropriate to profit from a First Call initiative. Savings are realized for all participating members from increased efficiency, reduced damages and improved risk mitigation.

8. What are the hours of operation for Sask 1^st Call?

Sask 1^st Call operates 8 A.M. to 7 P.M. Monday to Friday, and is closed week-ends and holidays. Locate requests can be faxed 24 hours a day to (306) 525-2356 or 1-866-455-5559 or emailed. Fax’s and emails received after hours will be processed the next business day.

9. How much notice is required to get a line locate?

Sask 1^st Call subscribers usually require a minimum of 2 business days notice to locate their facilities. However if you are planning to excavate, always call Sask 1^st Call even on short notice, so we can notify our subscribers that your locate request is urgent.  If your request is an emergency or priority, please call Sask 1^st Call immediately at 1-866-828-4888.

10. How can my company join Sask 1^st Call?

You can obtain detailed information regarding Sask 1^st Call by calling 777-9507 or through our website.

11. When I’m planning to dig all I have to do is call Sask 1^st Call?

Sask 1^st Call is just that, the first call you should make. However there may be other companies who have underground facilities in your work area that are not subscribers to Sask 1^st Call. You remain responsible to notify these companies of your proposed excavation.

You should also understand that you are not clear to excavate until all Sask 1^st Call subscribers we notify have located their facilities in your work area or advised you to proceed. It is the excavator’s responsibility not to damage the facilities and placing a call to Sask 1^st Call does not remove that responsibility.