The natural gas industry and its distribution network are routinely subject to rigorous inspection, maintenance and oversight within the company and at the federal and state level. This includes the promulgation of a pipeline integrity management rule that requires periodic pipeline inspections and repairs as necessary.
Natural gas utilities and pipelines undertake a wide range of safety programs, including:
- Participation in excavation damage prevention initiatives.
- Installing above-ground markers to indicate the location of buried gas lines.
- Performing visual inspections and leak surveys of their systems to identify potential problems.
- Maintaining rigid requirements for qualification and inspection of construction techniques used in their systems.
- Supporting research and development focused on inspection technologies, pipeline integrity, corrosion prevention, and construction techniques.
Homeowners protect yourself from injury. Before planting trees, shrubs, installing fences, mail boxes or whatever excavating activities you are doing, make a call to your one call center. Call 811 at least three business days before you dig, auger, or move dirt in any way. Year to date, homeowners have damaged numerous gas facilities. Remember for your safety and to minimize expensive repair bills, call to have your gas facilities located prior to any digging.
Awareness of Hazards and Prevention Measures
If you come in contact with a natural gas pipeline leak take the following steps:
- Leave the area immediately
- Move to a safe location and then call your local gas utility .
- Abandon any equipment being used in or near the suspected leak
- Warn others to stay away when possible
Leak Recognition
Learn the warning signs of natural gas pipeline leaks:
- A rotten egg smell
- Dirt spraying in the air
- A hissing sound
- Bubbling in a pond, creek or river
- Dead or dying vegetation
Leak Response
What to do when a leak occurs:
- DO NOT light a match, start an engine, use a telephone or cell phone, turn on or off light switches, or do anything that may cause a spark
- DO NOT attempt to extinguish a natural gas fire
- Call 911
- DO Not attempt to operate pipeline equipment
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is a silent killer. Assure that fuel-burning appliances are installed, maintained, and used properly and safely. That includes having an annual inspection of heating and venting equipment by a "qualified heating and plumbing shop" prior to the heating season, and the use of a carbon monoxide alarm that meets current standards.
