Underground Utility Locate- Make the Call
Have you read these headlines in your community recently?
*20,000 customers were out of phone service for nine hours…
*For the second time in a week, the fire department had to evacuate residents of…
*A construction crew ruptured a 2-inch gas line, forcing…
Unfortunately, the types of incidences reported in these headlines are all too frequent occurrences. A backhoe operator, in a hurry to find the source of a leak, digs up a telephone or electric utility cable or gas line.
When a telephone cable is broken, telephone and emergency services are disrupted for many people. When this happens, the company employing the backhoe operator is responsible not only for the costs to restore the line but also for the damages to those injured by the disruption. The utility also may be responsible if a fire or medical emergency call goes unanswered.
Rupturing a natural gas line can mean instant injury to the operator, other employees, and the public. Several motorists drove into the cloud, which suddenly caught fire and exploded. Two people were killed and several were horribly burned.
Buried electrical cables also can cause serious injury to an equipment operator, ground crews and anyone in the area.
Sask 1st Call
It is easy to avoid digging into another utility’s lines. All it takes is a call to Sask 1st Call or the underground service alert telephone number for the specific underground facility. The function of Sask 1st Call is to protect you, your co-workers, and the public. It is imperative that this call be made before beginning any excavation. www.sask1stcall.com or 1-866-828-4888.
Natural Gas Lines
Natural gas lines and water lines may be located in close proximity below ground. Therefore, when working on a water main or service, the potential exists for discovering or causing a natural gas leak. If you excavate, use the local underground utility alert service to locate natural gas lines and other utility runs. Keep the following tips in mind:
*The main element of natural gas is methane, which is lighter than air and diffuses rapidly when it escapes into an open area. Therefore, do not plate or cover and excavation or vault with a leaking natural gas main or service.
*Natural gas is very explosive, with a lower explosive limit of 5 percent concentration
*Natural gas is not toxic, but it can force the oxygen from a confined area and cause an oxygen-deficient atmosphere.
If a natural gas leak is detected, eliminate all ignition sources (i.e., running vehicles, open flames, etc.), secure the area, and contact your local gas department (SaskEnergy). Do not attempt to turn off the gas or repair the leak yourself. Report all damaged or pulled natural gas mains or services to your local gas department immediately, even if a leak is not detected.
Electrical Lines
If an electrical line is hit. Do not attempt to leave the cab of the vehicle, you never know the potential voltage of the line. Contact the Electrical Utility company (SaskPower) as soon as possible.