Be safe around buried gas lines to protect yourself and the public
April 4, 2007
SURREY - More than 400 homeowners and businesses had their natural gas service interrupted in North Vancouver when an excavator struck a buried pipeline this past February. Some were without gas for almost two days. This incident didn’t have to happen if the contractor had used safe excavation practices.
But don’t think hitting buried gas lines only happens in construction. Anyone undertaking spring yard work, home renovations or excavation activities should find out where gas lines are buried and use safe digging practices.
Being safe starts with obtaining underground gas line information. Call BC One Call at 1-800-474-6886 or *6886 on your cellular. BC One Call will contact all member organizations with underground utilities in the caller’s specific dig area. Each organization then provides the caller with the location information.
Unfortunately, the recent incident in North Vancouver is not isolated. In 2006, Terasen Gas experienced more than 1,600 line hits, totalling more than $1 million in repairs. And those responsible for the damage were also responsible for the repair bill. Of the numerous gas emergencies that Terasen Gas responded to last year, we found:
- 74 per cent happened because people failed to obtain the buried gas line location
- 16 per cent happened because people failed to use safe excavation practices such as hand digging
- nine per cent were caused by car accidents, house fires and storms or mud slides that damaged the gas lines
- one per cent was caused by misinterpreted location information
Yet even more important than the cost of repairs was the threat to public safety. Although natural gas is extremely safe when handled properly, hitting a buried gas line can be dangerous. If you hit a buried gas pipeline stop what you’re doing immediately and call Terasen Gas at 1-800-663-9911.
Don’t take a chance. One phone call can protect you, the public and your pocket book. Safe excavating practices are everyone’s responsibility – even if you’re a homeowner installing a new fence in your backyard. Always call before you dig to avoid the dangers and costs of hitting an underground gas line. Learn more at http://www.terasengas.com./
Call BC One Call a minimum of three business days before you start your project. The phone call and information is free. When you receive your Terasen Gas information you will also get a contact number if you have more questions.
Terasen Gas delivers natural gas and piped propane to approximately 900,000 homes and businesses in 125 communities throughout BC. Terasen Gas is the common name of three companies: Terasen Gas Inc., Terasen Gas (Vancouver Island) Inc. and Terasen Gas (Whistler) Inc.
Media contact:
Joyce Wagenaar
Corporate Communications Manager
Phone: (604) 592-7682
E-mail: joyce.wagenaar@terasengas.com
Joyce Wagenaar
Corporate Communications Manager
Phone: (604) 592-7682
E-mail: joyce.wagenaar@terasengas.com
Select your region
ACCOUNT LOG IN
Select your region
Help us better serve you with offers, promotions, rates and services relevant to your area.
For your convenience
Select your region to view offers, rates and other information for your area throughout our site.