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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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| If You Suspect a Natural Gas Leak |
| 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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| Recognizing Gas Leaks |
| If you’re like most people, you’ve learned to rely on your sense of smell to detect a natural gas leak. In and around your home, that distinctive, rotten egg-like odor is in fact a sign that natural gas is leaking from an appliance burner or pipe. But it’s not the only sign, especially on the job site. And in some cases, natural gas leaks don’t smell at all. |
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| So be sure to rely on your eyes and ears (not just your nose) to detect the warning signs of a gas leak. Be alert for continuous bubbling in water; a hissing, whistling, or roaring sound; dead or dying vegetation (in an otherwise moist area) over or near a pipeline; dirt or water being thrown into the air; a damaged connection to a gas appliance; or an exposed pipeline after an earthquake, fire, flood, or other disaster. |
| If You Suspect a Gas Leak |
| Protect yourself, your coworkers, and the public by taking the following steps: Smell. Go. Let us know. |
| GO: |
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Leave the area. Do not use matches or lighters, start an engine, or operate any electrical devices—even a phone. A tiny spark could ignite the leaking gas. |
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Leave the excavation open, and do not attempt to turn the gas off or fix the pipeline. |
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| LET US KNOW: |
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From a safe location, call 911 and NW Natural immediately. Call us even if there is no visible damage to the pipeline. |
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Stay far away from the area until safety officials say it is safe to return. |
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Report the incident to your supervisor. |
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| There’s No Such Thing as Minor Damage |
| Even a slight gouge, scrape, or dent to a pipeline, its coating, or a wire attached to or running alongside the pipe may cause a break or leak in the future. Report ALL gas line contacts to NW Natural at 800-882-3377 so crews can inspect the line and make the necessary repairs. |
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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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