The training is free of charge, conducted online, and issues an electronic certificate upon completion
Baton Rouge, Louisiana (October 1, 2025) – A new state requirement, effective August 1, 2025, now mandates that at least one individual on every excavation or demolition site must complete an annual online training provided by Louisiana 811, under the Louisiana Underground Utilities and Facilities Damage Prevention Law (R.S. 1749.11 – 1749.27) and as amended by House Bill No. 392.
This legislative change was enacted to strengthen safety measures, reduce damage to underground utilities, and promote compliance across excavation and demolition projects statewide. The training is free of charge, conducted online, and issues an electronic certificate upon completion.
Key Provisions of the Law
• Effective Date: August 1, 2025
• Mandatory Training: At least one excavator per site is required to complete the free annual online training, provided by the Regional Notification Center.
• Exemptions: Excavators or demolishers certified under an operator qualification program subject to Title 49, CFR, Part 192 or Part 195 are exempt from this requirement. • Marine Excavators: must complete an alternative training program through MarineSafe 811 to meet compliance requirements.
Training Access
Louisiana 811 has made training available in multiple formats to ensure accessibility:
• English: https://811industrytraining.thinkific.com/courses/louisiana-811
• Spanish: https://811industrytraining.thinkific.com/courses/new-course
• Marine: https://marinesafe811.org/training-education
Completion of training is required annually to remain compliant.
What This Means for Excavators
Excavators, contractors, and demolition teams must designate at least one trained individual on each active site beginning August 2025. Failure to comply could result in violations of the Louisiana Underground Utilities and Facilities Damage Prevention Law.
“Our goal is to make compliance simple, accessible, and effective for everyone in the industry,” says Brent Saltzman, Executive Director of Louisiana 811. “This annual training requirement ensures that every excavation site has a qualified person on hand, helping prevent utility damages, keeping workers safe, and protecting the communities we serve.”
About Louisiana 811
Louisiana 811 is a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing damage to underground utilities, promoting safe excavation practices, and protecting Louisiana communities. For more information about Louisiana 811, visit www.louisiana811.com.
The Louisiana Press Association was formed in 1880 as a trade association uniting the state’s daily and weekly newspapers. As its members have transformed so has the LPA, focused on educating, advocating and innovating in print and digital platforms.