Pipeline Safety

Pipeline safety tips from the Texas Excavation Safety System (TESS) can help prevent disastrous results for home owners. It is extremely important that you do not dig on a utility easement before consulting authorities.

Make The Call
Dial 811 Before Digging

You may contact the National Pipeline Mapping System (NPMS) for information about pipelines in your area.The NPMS contains company and mapping information on pipeline operators.

Other helpful resources with information on pipeline operators and companies in your area are:

• http://www.npmsa.dot.gov – National Pipeline Mapping System
• http://ops.dot.gov – Office of Pipeline Safety
• http://www.safepipelines.org – Partnership for Excellence in Pipeline Safety
• http://www.pipeline101.com – Partnership for Excellence in Pipeline Safety
• 1-877-280-8636 – Regulatory Services Department

The following are a few tips provided by the Texas Excavation Safety System.

Use sight, smell and sound to detect leaks.
1. You might see a dense fog, mist or white cloud.
2. Bubbling in water and creeks or blowing dust and discolored vegetation are other signs of pipeline leaks you might see.
3. Because natural gas is naturally odorless, a distinctive gaseous smell is added for easy recognition of a pipeline leak.
4. You might hear a whistling, hissing or roaring sound if there is a pipeline leak.

The Texas Excavation Safety System suggests the following do’s and don’ts concerning suspected pipeline leaks.

1. Do not touch, breath or make contact with the leak.
2. Do not light a match, turn on or off light switches, use a cell or home phone or do anything to create a spark.
3. Do not attempt to extinguish any natural gas fire.
4. Do not attempt tp operate any valves.

1. Do leave the home, building and area of any suspected leak.
2. Do call 911 once safely out of the area to notify police and fire officials.
3. Do warn others to stay out of the area.

According to the Texas Excavation Safety System or TESS, there are more than 200,000 miles of liquid petroleum pipeline and more than 300,000 miles of natural gas pipelines in the U.S.

Keep Pearland safe. Please be very cautious in working on or near pipeline right-of-ways.