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Pipeline Safety - Important Safety Information Regarding Safe Excavation
How would you know where a pipeline is?
Most pipelines are underground, where they are more protected from the elements to minimize interference with surface uses. Even so, pipeline right-of-ways are clearly identified by pipeline markers along pipeline routes that identify the approximate - NOT EXACT - location of the pipeline. Every pipeline marker contains information identifying the company that operates the pipeline, the product transported, and a phone number that should be called in the event of an emergency.
Markers do not indicate pipeline burial depth, which will vary.
Pipeline markers are typically seen where a pipeline intersects a street, highway or railway. For any person to willfully deface, damage, remove or destroy any pipeline marker is a federal crime. The marker contains operator information, type of product, and an emergency contact number. The size, shape and color of the marker may vary.
Aerial Markers are skyward facing markers that are used by patrol plans that monitor pipeline routes.
Casing Vent Markers indicate that a pipeline (protected by a steel outer casing) passes beneath a nearby roadway, rail line or other crossing.
How would you recognize a pipeline leak?
Sight: Liquid pools, discolored or abnormally dry soil/vegetation, continuous bubbling in wet or flooded areas, an oily sheen on water surfaces, and vaporous fogs or blowing dirt around a pipeline area can all be indicative of a pipeline leak. Dead or discolored plants in an otherwise healthy area of vegetation or frozen ground in warm weather are other possible signs. Natural gas is colorless, but vapor and "ground frosting" may be visible at high pressures. A gas leak may also be indicated by bubbles in wet or flooded areas, distinct patches of dead vegetation, dust blowing from a hole in the ground or flames if the leak is ignited.
Sound: Volume can range from a quiet hissing to a loud roar depending on the size of the lead and pipeline system.
Smell: An unusual smell, petroleum odor, or gaseous odor will sometimes accompany pipeline leaks. Natural Gas and Highly Volatile Liquids are colorless, tasteless and odorless unless commercial odorants or Mercaptan is added. Gas transmission/gas gathering pipelines are odorless, but may contain a hydrocarbon smell.
What to do in the event a leak were to occur:
- Turn off any equipment and eliminate any ignition sources without risking injury.
- Leave the area by foot immediately. Try to direct any other bystanders to leave the area.
- Attempt to stay upwind.
- If known, from a safe location, notify the pipeline operator immediately and call 911 or your local emergency response number. The operator will need your name, your phone number, a brief description of the incident, and the location so the proper response can be initiated.
What NOT to do in the event a leak were to occur:
- DO NOT cause any open flame or other potential source of ignition such as an electrical switch, vehicle ignition, light a match, etc.
- DO NOT start motor vehicles or electrical equipment.
- DO NOT ring doorbells to notify others of the leak. Knock with your hand to avoid potential sparks from knockers.
- DO NOT come into direct contact with any escaping liquids or gas.
- DO NOT drive into a leak or vapor cloud while leaving the area.
- DO NOT attempt to operate any pipeline valves yourself. You may inadvertently route more product to the leak or cause a secondary incident.
- DO NOTattempt to extinguish a petroleum product or natural gas fire. Wait for local firemen and other professionals trained to deal with such emergencies.
What to do if a pipeline is damaged or disturbed?
If you cause or witness even minor damage to a pipeline or its protective coating, please immediately notify the pipeline company. Even a small disturbance to a pipeline may cause a future leak. A gouge, scrape, dent or crease is cause enough for the company to inspect the damage and make repairs. |
