Safe Digging for Contractors

Four Steps for Safe Digging

1 – Contact BC 1 Call – click or call 1-800-474-6886 to request the location of buried utility lines at least three business days before digging.

• The locate service is FREE and will give you information about all buried utilities on your job site, including PNG gas lines.
• BC 1 Call will advise PNG and other utility providers of your intentions to dig.

Click Before You Dig

2 – Develop a work plan – mark the area where you plan to dig with white lines or flags (use black in snow) and identify any equipment, personnel, permits, or approvals that may be required to keep your team safe.  

• Assess the area for indicators of underground utilities (signage, ground disturbance, etc.).
• Determine controls or barriers to eliminate or reduce risks of damaging underground infrastructure. 
• Develop a site-specific safe digging and emergency response plan in case of accidental damage. 

3 – Confirm locates – once you receive location information from PNG (within three days of contacting BC 1 Call), review the maps and directions, so you are prepared to work with PNG.

• An authorized PNG field representative will either provide clearance to dig or, if necessary, will come out and mark the pipeline beneath your site for you.
• If you are working with a contract locator, ensure the correct colour codes are used. 
• If the locate process identifies the need for a high-pressure crossing or proximity works permit, PNG will help you obtain permission. Check out the Safe Work Near a Right-Of-Way page to learn more. 

4 – Dig carefully – if the area where you plan to dig is within 1 meter of buried utilities, dig slowly with a hand shovel to expose the line by hand.

• Hold pre-work safety meetings to ensure everyone is aware of safe digging practices.
• Do not use machinery (augers, excavators, etc.) to dig until you have found the gas line.  
• Buried gas lines may be as little as a few centimetres below the surface and may not be obvious based on the meter location.
• Practice safe mechanical excavation procedures at all times. 

What Happens After Damaging a Gas Line?

Accidentally damaging a gas line is a serious event. The best way you can help is by telling us about it. Damage to gas lines must be reported so that PNG can ensure the line is safely repaired. Unreported damage to gas lines has the potential to lead to serious safety risks or greater damage in the future.

Every incident of real or suspected damage to a gas line is taken seriously. Once we become aware of any damage, the following actions may occur:

• An authorized PNG field representative will come to inspect the line for damage, and take steps to make it safe.
• An investigation may be conducted to determine the cause and extent of the damage.
• PNG will notify and provide a report of the incident to all applicable authorities, including a reference to the contractor(s) who were involved in the damage.

Accidents happen, but you can still protect your coworkers and your reputation. Report any suspected or real damage to a gas line as soon as possible. Reporting incidents and explaining the situation demonstrates a professional commitment to safety and helps everyone prevent accidents in the future.  

Report Pipeline Damage