Contact with Electric or Natural Gas Lines

• Gas Release / Explosion
• Live Electricity
• Medical Emergency

• Cell Phone
• ABC Fire Extinguisher
• Line Locates Documentation
• Review of SWP – Working Around Gas Lines
• Review of SWP – Working Near Power Lines

• First Aid Training
• Fire Extinguisher Training
• Ground Disturbance Training
• SWP – Working Around Gas Lines
• SWP – Working Near Power Lines

• Stop work immediately.
• Call 911 and the local Power / Hydro company immediately. Do not touch a person in contact with a power line.
• Any vehicle / equipment that has come into contact with utility lines are to be left in place.
  • Attempting to extract, flex or manipulate the line can compound the damage.
• Equipment operators should stay in the equipment unless it is not safe (for example: a fire) and all others should be kept clear of the equipment, in case it becomes energized.
• If you must leave the equipment, jump away from the equipment with both feet together so you are not in contact with the equipment and the ground at the same time.
• Continue to hop or shuffle with your feet close together until you are a safe distance away.
• If a person is in contact with high voltage power lines or underground cables, throw a heavy object such as a wooden tool, dry rope, hose or wooden board, to try to separate the victim from the power line.
  • Do not touch the object again after it has been thrown.
• Rubber boots and gloves will not insulate you from a high voltage line. Rubber tires can also conduct electricity and may explode or burn.
• If equipment comes in contact with overhead power lines or cables, ensure to keep everyone at least 10 meters / 30 feet away from the equipment, its load and power lines.
• Do not touch a winch line or the equipment load.

Procedure for Damage to a Natural Gas Line: 

In the event of any damage to a natural gas pipeline (whether steel, plastic or aluminum), or to its protective pipe coating or tracer wire:

• Stop work immediately.
• Call the local Power / Hydro company immediately.
• Alert all Workers; clear individuals from the vicinity to prevent them from approaching the area of the leak.
• Direct everyone to the muster point.
  • House Construction: Front of the site.
  • Condo Construction: Designated posted muster point area.
• Request assistance in alerting any occupants of finished neighboring houses.
• Shut of all vehicles and equipment. Remove or extinguish all sources of ignition.
• Do not smoke or allow open flame in the presence of natural gas.
• Do not remove the tool or equipment that punctured the line. This could result in a larger gas leak and pose a greater hazard.
• Do not attempt to backfill over a leaking natural gas line or attempt to stop the leak; it is safest to allow the gas to vent into the atmosphere.
• Wait for further instructions regarding re-entry of the area.
• After given the all clear, inform other individuals and neighboring houses that they can return to the area or their homes.

Alberta – Calgary

• ENMAX: 310-2010
• Water: 403-268-2489
• Natural Gas: 403-258-8251

Alberta – Edmonton

• ATCO Gas: 780-420-5585
• EPCOR Water: 780-412-6800
• EPCOR Power: 780-412-4500
• Fortis Alberta: 780-310-9473
• Buried Utilities: 1-800-242-3447

British Columbia

• BC Hydro: 1-800-224-9376

Manitoba

• Manitoba – Hydro: 204-480-5900

Texas

• Natural Gas: 811
  • If damage results in the release of natural gas, leave the area immediately and call 911 and Texas Gas Service at 1-800-959-5325
• Electrical: 811
• Water: 811