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Everyone’s resources have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. You
can help prevent locate delays by pre-marking your proposed dig area in
white and notifying 811 of your planned excavation with as much lead time
as possible: up to 10 business days in Oregon and Washington. To learn
more about NW Natural’s response to COVID-19, click here. |
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| Be Alert for Cross Bores in Sewer Lines |
| Review these tips with coworkers at your tailgate or toolbox meetings before work begins to
help avoid potential hazards when working near natural gas pipelines or other utility lines. |
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Order a free worker safety training kit on
NW Natural’s Worker Beware website. |
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| Natural Gas Lines May Cross Sewer Lines |
| Many utilities, including NW Natural, install some underground utility lines using a trenchless method that drills horizontally through the ground. This method minimizes damage to pavement and landscaping. However, if a sewer line wasn’t mapped or
installed with tracing technology and couldn’t be located on
the property, it’s possible that our drilling equipment crossed
through it. Gas lines that have been drilled directly through
sewer lines are known as “cross bores.” |
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| Know the Dangers |
| A cross bore in a sewer lateral will impede flow and lead to eventual blockage. A worker
who attempts to remove the blockage can accidentally cut the gas line and could cause the
dangerous release of natural gas. The resulting loss of service may not be immediately
apparent. Gas can migrate undetected through the lateral and concentrate in sewer lines
and nearby structures, causing a potential hazard. |
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| If You Suspect a Cross Bore, Call Before You Clear |
| Cross bores are rare, and now we are able to prevent them. When the trenchless gas line installation is complete, we scope the sewer main and lateral with a video camera to clear the sewer of any cross bores. We are also
inspecting sewer lines street-by-street throughout our territory to
identify cross bores. Nevertheless, there is a rare chance that you may
encounter a cross bore when clearing a sewer blockage, so always
take the following precautions: |
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Before clearing. If you own or can obtain access to an inline camera, use it to assess
the blockage before attempting to clear it. If the camera view is obstructed due to the
clog, vacuum it out first. |
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If a camera is not available, run a hydro-jetter through the sewer line to clear it. If
you sense resistance that does not resemble a tree root or other common
obstruction, do not force it and do NOT use a cutting tool. Stop immediately and call NW Natural. |
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If a cross bore is suspected, call NW Natural at 800-882-3377. We will respond
quickly, and if the gas line crosses through the sewer line, we will repair the sewer line
and reroute the gas line at no cost to the property owner. |
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After clearing. Natural gas pipes are typically colored plastic. If you have used a
cutting tool, look for plastic on the blades when you withdraw it. Watch for bubbles
escaping from the entry point of the clearing equipment or toilet and/or use gas
detection equipment, if available. |
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| If You Hit a Gas Line |
| Assume the situation is dangerous. Immediately warn all inhabitants and evacuate the
area. Do not use matches or lighters, start an engine, or operate any electrical device (even
a phone), as a tiny spark could ignite leaking gas. From a safe location, call 911 and NW
Natural immediately at 800-882-3377. |
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| Free Online Excavation Safety Training |
| Now being offered — Excavation Safety 101 |
| This online course will strengthen your understanding of common safety issues as well
as educate you on laws and best practices for safe excavation. The course is designed
to take a minimum of 60 minutes to complete, although there is no maximum time limit.
Successful completion of Excavation Safety 101 with a 100% grade will earn you a
certificate, proving that you've completed the course and giving you a way to earn
continuing education credits. |
| The course is available to anyone. Simply create an account,
enroll in the course, and complete the material at your own pace. |
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