It’s not just about the call. It’s about saving lives. Call or click 811 and make sure underground lines are marked before you dig. It’s the law.
When operating construction equipment near gas pipelines, make sure you maintain minimum clearances and if you must dig within the tolerance zone, do so by hand with extreme care. Always make safety a priority in your excavation work. Be sure to follow these guidelines.
- Know the dig site: Have all excavation and location information before you start a project.
- Define excavation area: Use white markings, staking or precise description of excavation area.
- Call or click 811 before you dig: Call or click at least three business days before you dig.
- Wait the required time for facilities to be marked: Typically 48 to 72 hours.
- Respect the marks and dig with care: Stay at least 18 inches away from each side of the marked lines. Hand digging with caution is required when digging within the tolerance zone. For more information on 811, visit call811.com.
- Know the life of a ticket: How long a ticket is good for varies by state. Obtain fresh locates when necessary.
- Standby on transmission and designated lines: A company representative may be on-site during excavation.
Gas leak do's and don'ts
Do’s:
- Do stop work and move to a safe location.
- Do call 911.
- Do call 1-800-ALLIANT (800-255-4268) from a remote location.
- Do leave the area and alert others to stay way.
- Do keep the public and traffic away.
Don’ts:
- Don’t try to find or repair the leak.
- Don’t start an engine or move equipment.
- Don’t operate a pipeline valve.
- Don’t use a telephone or cell phone in the area of the leak.
- Don’t turn on or off any light switches, garage door openers or other electrical switches.
- Don’t attempt to extinguish a burning gas leak.
Sewer cross bore
A cross bore occurs when a sewer line and a natural gas pipeline intersect.
If a cross bore is discovered:
- Do not operate any equipment.
- Evacuate the area.
- Call the natural gas company from a remote location.
- Eliminate any ignition source.
If you hit a pipeline
Pipeline markers
These markers indicate approximate, but not exact, locations of transmission pipelines. The markers provide a toll-free number to report problems: 1-800-ALLIANT (800-255-4268). Transmission line markers are typically placed at public road crossings, fence lines and street intersections. In most cases, pipeline markers are not located on a natural gas distribution system inside urban service territories.
Visit the National Pipeline Mapping System at npms.phmsa.dot.gov to learn who operates transmission pipelines in your area.