1. Damage Prevention Coordinators Betty Espenshade and Bill Shupe
Gas Safety
Damage Prevention Coordinators
Betty Espenshade and Bill Shupe

2. Overview of Columbia Gas
Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania is a subsidiary of NiSource Inc., the second-largest natural gas distributor in the United States.
Approximately 426,000 customers in PA
Serving 26 counties

3. Today’s Discussion Natural Gas Basics Gas leaks and leak recognition
Emergency response and evacution
Characteristics of natural gas and propane
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
811/PA One Call
Underground Facility Locating
Different types of pipe CPA
Crossbores

4. Why are we here? July 2, 2017 Millersville PA
A utility crew responded to the area after a passerby detected an odor of gas.
Lancasteronline.com – July 3, 2017

5. Loss of life, home and serious injuries
One UGI worker died, two other workers were severely injured and one Lancaster Area Sewer Authority worker was severely injured.

6. Rick Bouder, 54 – UGI tech died on the scene from the impact of flying debris.
- Dr. Stephen Diamantoni, Lancaster County Coroner

7. Ocean County, NJ

9. Lafayette, IN

10. Let’s Start with the Basics
Composed chiefly of Methane and is the cleanest-burning fossil fuel.
Natural Gas is lighter than air.
It will follow the path of least resistance.
Migrates underground through sewer lines, conduit, etc.
Odorless in its natural state.
Mercaptin added to give the smell of rotten eggs.

11. Natural Gas Distribution
Pennsylvania Pipeline Mileage
48,139 - Gas Distribution Main
28,933 - Gas Distribution Service
77,072 – Total Main & Service
©2017 Paradigm Liaison Services, LLC

12. Responding to a Natural Gas Emergency
First responders can close residential gas service valves at meters, however only a gas company employee can turn the meter back on. The gas company will do the proper checks to ensure safety.
NEVER attempt to open or close underground pipeline valves.

13. Indicators of a Natural Gas Leak
Bubbling water
Hissing, whistling or roaring sound
Smell of rotten eggs (Mercaptin)
Dirt blowing into the air from a hole in the ground
Dead or dying vegetation

14. If A Gas Line Is Hit or Damaged
Protect Life
Evacuate the work area
Stop all digging & leave the equipment in place
Remain upwind & at a safe distance
Call 911
Call Columbia Gas
Eliminate ignition sources
Never enter excavation with escaping gas

15. Always Notify Columbia Gas If...
You dent, gouge, or scrape a line
You pull on a gas line
You put force on a gas line (up or down)
You cut the tracer wire
When you’re not sure what to do

16. Natural Gas Fires
Let it burn! – The local gas company should be contacted immediately for assistance. Evacuate the area and protect exposures.
Don’t use water! It is not effective, however a fog can be used to cool combustible exposures.
Shut off the gas supply only if you can access the meter safely. Even if the gas is shut off, be alert to migrating gas.

17. Fire Triangle

18. Potential Ignition Sources
Doorbell
Light Switch
Pilot Light
Flashlight
Telephone
Electrical Appliance
Automobile
Backhoe
Matches, Lighter
Cell Phone/Pager
Back-Up Generator
Lightning
Static electricity

19. Explosive Range

20. Physical Properties of Various Explosive Liquids and Gases
Material
Chemical Formula
Specific Gravity Air=1
Ignition Temp Deg. F in Air
Lower Expl. Limit (% gas)
Upper Expl. Limit (% gas)
Methane
CH4
.55
1193
5.3
15.0
Natural Gas
Blend
.60
5.0
Ethane
C2H6
1.04
3.0
12.5
Propane
C3H8
1.56
2.1
10.0
Butane
C4H10
2.01
1.9
8.5
Hexane
C6H14
437
1.1
7.5
Gasoline
3-4.0
632
1.4
7.6
Acetone
C3H6O
2.0
869
2.5
12.8
Benzene
C6H6
2.8
928
1.2
7.8
Carbon Monoxide CO
.97
1128
74.2
Hydrogen H2 .1
932
4.0
75.0
Hydrogen Sulfide
H2S
500
44.0

21. Carbon Monoxide Affects on Human Hemoglobin

22. IT’S THE LAW

23. Tolerance Zone

24. Locating Underground Facilities
Pipe size (if 2” or more)
Material type of pipe
Steel (ST)
Coated Steel (CS)
Steel Insert (STINS)
Plastic (PL)
Gas Main (GM) or Gas Service (GS)
Mark offsets (O/S)

25. Types of 811 Tickets Design – Preliminary, Final
Routine – Normal ticket
No One Call – Someone calls 811 to report a contract working without markings
Call Before You Clear – Typically a plumber concerned that there may be a cross bore

26. What Are Cross-Bores and Why Are They Important?
A utility cross bore is an intersection of an existing underground utility or underground structure by a second utility installed by trenchless technology that results in direct contact between the transactions of the utilities that compromises the integrity of either utility or underground structure.
American Gas Association Definition

27. Potential Intersections

28. It’s All About Safety!

29. Review Time! True or False – Natural Gas is heavier than air.
False. The specific gravity of air is 1, which natural gas is only .6
What is the explosive concentration range for natural gas?
5% to 15%
True or False – Natural Gas will migrate through the path of least resistance, such as a sewer line.
True
What number should you call before you dig?
811
What number do you call if a natural gas line is hit and blowing gas?
911
What 3 things do you need to create fire?
Fuel, Air, and Heat
Name 3 types of ignition sources.
Cell phone, static electricity (vinyl windows), generator, doorbell, pilot light, backhoe, matches/lighter, light switch.

30. Additional Information and Resources
– Columbia Gas of PA
– Common Ground Alliance
– PA One Call 811
- Paradigm
– Pipeline Awareness
– Natural Gas Watch
– National Pipeline Mapping System
National Grid

31. Call 911 Call Columbia Gas 1-888-460-4332 Thank you !!
Questions & Comments?