![]() In addition some pipelines have sensitive coatings that even when scraped or nicked may create holes damage to a line may not be readily apparent when a line is exposed or hit.Special Note: If you hit a line and there is no apparent leak at that location, it is still possible that there could be secondary damage away from the site, resulting in a leak.Stop excavation activity until the facility owner clears you to proceed.If a gas or petroleum line is hit or exposed without apparent damage or leakage: Any damage to a line must be reported to the facility owner by law, and it is unlawful to cover up a line that may be damaged.Do not attempt to stop the escape of gas by covering the leak with dirt.Cordon off the excavation area, keeping a minimum safe distance of 500 feet.Do not try to extinguish a fire unless there is a direct threat to life.Eliminate potential ignition sources, i.e., open flames, smoking materials, the starting or operating of motor vehicles, the use of phones, radios, doorbells, electric switches, flashlights, etc.Call the appropriate gas or petroleum company immediately from a safe distance (refer to the emergency numbers).Under PA law, you must dial 9-1-1 or the local fire department.Remain upwind at a safe distance, 500 feet or more.Evacuate the work area and adjacent structures.Stop all digging and leave the equipment in place.If a gas or petroleum line is hit or damaged and is leaking: Accidents occur when excavators encroach on the rights of way through constructionĮxcavation and design projects should always begin with notification to the state’s one call system as required by the PA UULP Law. Many pipelines were built in unpopulated areas that are now developed.Easements must be kept clear and nothing can be built over the pipeline.When purchasing property or beginning construction, it is essential to research existing easements Easements are written agreements between pipeline companies and landowners, which permit pipeline companies to operate and maintain the pipeline through the landowner’s property.Pipeline markers show approximate location of pipelines and do not reveal the exact location, depth or pressure of the pipeline.Pipeline markers display the material transported, the name of the pipeline operator and the operator’s emergency number.Contact your local pipeline operator for information on high-consequence areas and integrity management programs for more information, see the individual pipeline company websites.Please consult with the facility owner or line operator when backfilling, which also includes areas of washout and erosion.When construction is completed, the additional protection must be removed.When crossing a pipeline with heavy equipment during construction, you may be required to use protective materials that are approved by individual pipeline companies.Because of the critical nature of liquid pipelines and high pressure natural gas, facility owners may want to be on site when construction or excavation activities are near the lines.No construction or excavation activities of any kind, including blasting, drilling, boring vibration or operating vibrating equipment are to be done on any pipeline easement area before the pipeline operator has established the location of all affected facilities and the limits of the easements.Pipeline operators may monitor the excavation to prevent accidents and detect potentially hazardous situations.Protect and preserve markings until they are no longer required for a safe and proper excavation.By calling you allow the facility owners an opportunity to locate and mark their underground facilities in advance of the planned excavation (gas and liquid pipelines will mark underground facility lines using yellow stakes, flags or paint). ![]() Mark your proposed excavation area with white paint or flags before calling with a dig notification.PA Act 287 as amended requires excavators as well as private land owners to call POCS three business days before any kind of digging occurs with powered equipment.Pennsylvania One Call System, Inc., Your Local Gas Distribution and Pipeline Companies
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