BC Safety Authority Spring 2007 -- Gas Safety Reminder

Vancouver, March 16, 2007

The BC Safety Authority reminds residents about the need to consider natural gas and propane safety during renovation and gardening projects.   There may be underground gas company lines buried on your property that supply natural gas or propane to heating and cooking appliances.

“Regulations require people to have gas line information on-site before digging around gas company underground pipes” says Wayne Lock, provincial Gas Safety Manager with the BC Safety Authority.  “Residents can obtain information about the location of gas utility lines by calling BC ONE CALL at 1-800-474-6886 or *6886 on a cell phone.  Customers served by small natural gas or propane utility systems should call their gas supplier,” continued Lock.

Know where gas lines are located before starting projects like installing fence posts or sprinkler systems. 

Safety tips:

• Call Before You Dig!
• Hand dig to confirm the location of buried gas lines before using mechanical equipment like backhoes, trenchers, post hole augers and boring equipment.  Never probe for gas lines with pointed tools that could damage or puncture the pipe.
• If you have more than one building on your property or have appliances like a pool heater or patio heater, you may have underground customer owned gas pipes supplying them.  A gas contractor can help you find the location of these gas lines. 
• Keep area clear around your gas meter or propane tank so that valves can be easily shut off in an emergency.  Do not obstruct access with landscaping or enclosures. 
• A minimum clearance is required from gas meters and propane tanks to building openings including doors, windows, and air inlets.  Check with your natural gas utility or propane supplier if you are making building changes near a gas meter or propane tank.
• Do not build an addition above an underground gas line.  Contact your gas utility or propane supplier to have the gas line moved before you start construction.
• If you think you smell gas, get out of the area and call your gas utility, propane supplier, or fire department emergency number.

Homeowners can check if the work they are doing requires a gas permit and whether a contractor is licensed to do this work by contacting the BC Safety Authority or 1-866-566-SAFE (7233).

Visit the BC Safety Authority web site for important gas safety information.  The British Columbia Safety Authority is an independent, not-for-profit corporation that provides essential services to the general public, businesses, industry and institutions to keep our communities safe.