|
Every year hundreds of construction workers are hurt or killed because they accidentally come into
contact with a power or gas line. Touching a power line can cause shock,
resulting in serious injury or even death. Hitting a buried gas pipe can cause
fire, an eruption, or an explosion.
At SDG&E we are committed to providing safe and reliable energy. Review the guidelines below or
print our booklet to keep safe on the job. It is also available in Spanish.
Heighten your awareness of the 10-foot rule. It’s the law
Always keep vehicles, tools and people at least 10 feet away from power lines. Have a spotter whose
job it is to guide loads and keep equipment clear of danger.
Look before you lift
It’s easy to pick up a ladder or piece of equipment without considering what’s above you. Always carry
tall equipment even with the ground until you’re ready to use it.
Call 48 Hours Ahead -- Before You Dig
Mechanical damage by excavating or demolition is the most frequent cause of
pipeline damage and failures. Whether you’re planning to build a major
development or just landscaping your personal property – protect your safety
and the safety of those around you by notifying Underground Service Alert (USA)
at least two business days prior to excavation. USA will contact us, as well as
other local utilities, to mark the location of all utility-owned lines for
free. This will allow you to begin your project with the assurance that our
pipelines will be protected, and your safety will not be compromised. Visit www.digalert.com for more information.
Watch for Pipeline Signs
In the course of your work, you might encounter our pipeline markers. Pipeline
markers identify the general area where our natural gas pipelines run and show
our name and phone number. However, it’s still important to call USA before you dig.
Markers indicate the general, but not exact, location of a pipeline.
Not all pipelines follow a straight path between two markers and the markers
don’t indicate how deep the lines are buried.
Handling Emergencies
If your equipment touches a power line:
Don’t get off the equipment until instructed to by rescue
workers. If you can safely move equipment away from the power line,
do so. Call SDG&E’s EMERGENCY LINE at 1-800-411-SDGE (7343).
If someone is injured from touching an electric line:
- Do not touch the person, their tools or equipment.
- Call 911 immediately.
If you see a downed power line, don’t go near it. Call SDG&E immediately at 1-800-411-SDGE (7343).
While leaks on natural gas pipelines are rare, it’s important to know the following
signs of a leak:
- Dirt or water being thrown in the air,
- Dead or dying vegetation (in an otherwise moist area) over or near pipeline areas,
- Fire coming from the ground or appearing to burn above the ground,
- A roaring, blowing or hissing sound near a pipeline,
- The distinct odor of natural gas.
If you Damage A Pipeline . . .
If you damage a pipeline or suspect a natural gas leak, turn off and abandon
any motorized equipment you may be operating, quickly leave the area, and from
a safe place, call SDG&E at 1-800-411-SDGE (7343)
or the Fire Department.
Important New Fumigation Regulations
If you are a fumigation contractor, it’s important to know there is a new
federal regulation that now requires SDG&E shut off and turn on gas service
before and after fumigation jobs. Fumigation contractors are no longer
authorized to perform these services. We will provide all
shut-off and
turn-on gas services at no cost to
you.
|
