Knowing what to do in a natural gas line strike can help you avoid accidents such as fire and explosions. Before you start digging any ground, you must identify the location of underground utilities. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a simple or a major project. Even a simple outdoor activity can cause a severe safety hazard if not handled appropriately.
If you live in a location with gas lines running underground, you should be careful when digging. However, accidents can still occur with proper planning. When you accidentally hit a gas line, the first thing to do is to evacuate everyone from the area promptly. It would help if you also switched off all the power equipment.
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Here is how you should diagnose and respond to a natural gas line strike.
Signs of Hitting a Pipeline
So, how will you tell that you’ve hit a gas line when digging underground? Here are the signs that you hit a gas pipeline.
- When you feel a shovel strike
- When you see a bare gas line
- When you hear a hissing sound
- When you smell a rotten egg scent
What to Do
When you notice any of the signs mentioned above, you should act quickly by moving away from the accident site. Extinguish any flame around the accident site, including cigarettes, to avoid fires and explosions. Immediately call 911 or your utility company for help. They will know what to do, including sending a professional crew to fix the line.
Take Preventative Measures
You should always look at a map of your underground pipes before digging. Some pipelines may be a few inches below the soil surface. You can call the local authorities to help you get the underground utility lines in your location. They may offer the services at a little or no cost.
Be Safe
Now that you know what to do in a natural gas line strike, you can avoid accidents from occurring while digging the ground. But when you accidentally hit the underground utility lines, secure the area and make an emergency call. First responders or your utility company will respond as soon as possible.
Contact us to learn more safety tips for natural gas.