Call Before You Dig is Still Important
Project delays, extra repair costs, extensive property damage and serious, even fatal, injuries. These are possible consequences when a natural gas line is hit.
In 2017, there were more than 600 underground natural gas hit lines in Alberta. Causes for the hit lines include not properly hand exposed (37%) and locates not requested (32%). Contractors were responsible for 67% of those damages.
“Hitting an underground natural gas line is preventable,” says Iain Stables, Supervisor, Damage Prevention at ATCO. “We have a dedicated team at ATCO who focuses on preventing damage to our underground natural gas lines. We encourage excavators to contact us if they have questions about their locates or want a safety presentation. We’re here to help.”
Underground lines can be shallower than you think. As soil moves and changes over time, a line could be a few inches below the surface. That’s why it’s important to follow the steps to prevent a hit line:
- Get your locates from Alberta One-Call.
- Plan your work.
- Respect the marks and dig safely.
If you have questions, contact Iain Stables at iain.stables@ATCO.com