Pipeline Safety Tips
Identification of Hazards
- When arriving at a job site, always check to ensure all underground pipe locates have been performed, and look for meters, valves, markers, vent pipes or any other indication that a gas line may be present.
- Prior to construction, verify with Dalton Utilities that it is safe to drive heavy equipment across
the gas line. - Never assume because you are working away from the road that a gas line is not present.
Leak Recognition
Smell: A rotten egg odor or a strong unpleasant odor around a gas line or other gas facility may indicate a leak is present.
Sound: sometimes you can hear a hissing noise when gas is escaping.
Sight: in wet areas, look for bubbles to indicate where a leak may be. Dead vegetation may also indicate a gas leak is present.
Damage Prevention
- Always call 8-1-1 before you dig.
- Always pothole any marked utility lines prior to construction to verify location.
- Never dig when there is any indication of a gas line present even if there are no marks and the dig ticket is good.
- If the main is marked, look for services that might have been missed.
- If you see anyone digging in an area that is in a natural gas pipeline easement or where you know there is a gas line and you do not see any marks, notify Dalton Utilities immediately.
- If you damage or hit a gas line (even if it does not appear to be leaking), ALWAYS call Dalton Utilities immediately so the line can be inspected.
8-1-1 Call Before You Dig Requirements
- Locate tickets must be called in to 8-1-1 two days prior to the start of excavation.
- If the facilities are not marked by 7:00 am on the day the ticket becomes valid, call Dalton Utilities (706-278-1313) before beginning excavation.
- Pothole all marked facilities within the work zone prior to excavating with mechanized equipment.
- There is no required depth for utility services and no requirements to provide depths with the locates.
- There is a 18-inch tolerance zone from the outside edge of the pipe.
- All damages must be reported to the UPC and Dalton Utilities immediately and work stopped at the site until repairs are made.
- Never attempt to fix a damaged utility line or gas leak or stop the flow of gas; evacuate the area.
24 HOUR EMERGENCY CONTACTS:
- Dalton Utilities – 706-278-1313 or Toll-Free (888) 337-1313
- Fire Department, Police and/or Sheriff – 911
ADDITIONAL CONTACTS:
- National Pipeline Management System
- Georgia Utilities Protection Center – 800-282-7411
- www.safegas.org
- American Gas Association