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 our guidelines below on gas and electric safety.
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.
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.
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.
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 us 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.
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
- 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.
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, make these calls.
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.
Last updated: January 26, 2009