Contractor Safety

Overview on Contractor Safety

The Gas Company has been dedicated to providing safe and reliable energy for over 130 years. We have a strong safety record and work hard to maintain it throughout our natural gas transmission pipelines, compressor stations, storage wells and other facilities. Keep the information below handy so we can help keep your job site safe.

Call 48 Hours Ahead -- Before You Dig

Mechanical damage by excavating or demolition is the most frequent cause of pipeline damage and failures. Whether you’re planning to build a major development or just landscaping your personal property – protect your safety and the safety of those around you by notifying Underground Service Alert (USA) at least two business days prior to excavation. USA will contact us, as well as other local utilities, to mark the location of all utility-owned lines for free. This will allow you to begin your project with the assurance that our pipelines will be protected, and your safety will not be compromised. Visit www.digalert.com for more information.

Watch for Pipeline Signs

In the course of your work, you might encounter our pipeline markers. Pipeline markers identify the general area where our natural gas pipelines run and show our name and phone number. However, it’s still important to call USA before you dig. Markers indicate the general, but not exact, location of a pipeline. Not all pipelines follow a straight path between two markers and the markers don’t indicate how deep the lines are buried.

Handling Emergencies

While leaks on natural gas pipelines are rare, it’s important to know the following signs of a leak:

• Dirt or water being thrown in the air,
• Dead or dying vegetation (in an otherwise moist area) over or near pipeline areas,
• Fire coming from the ground or appearing to burn above the ground,
• A roaring, blowing or hissing sound near a pipeline,
• The distinct odor of natural gas.

If you Damage A Pipeline . . .

If you damage a pipeline or suspect a natural gas leak, turn off and abandon any motorized equipment you may be operating, quickly leave the area, and from a safe place, call The Gas Company at 1-800-427-2200 or the Fire Department.

Important New Fumigation Regulations

If you are a fumigation contractor, it’s important to know there is a new federal regulation that now requires The Gas Company shut off and turn on gas service before and after fumigation jobs. Fumigation contractors are no longer authorized to perform these services. We will provide all shut-off and turn-on gas services at no cost to you.