Pipeline Purpose and Reliability
The pipeline transportation system in the United States is one
of the safest and most efficient means of transporting energy
products. The National Transportation Safety board has found that
pipelines provide the highest level of public safety as compared to
other transportation modes. Pipelines have fewer accidents causing
personal injury than any other form of transportation. In addition,
pipeline operators are extensively regulated by Federal and State
regulations with regard to design, construction, operation and
maintenance.
Safety is the number one priority of America's natural gas
industry. At FHNGA our main goal is to deliver natural gas reliably
and safely to you, our customer. In doing so, we want you to know
what to do if you ever smell gas or if a natural gas pipeline
emergency occurs where you live or work.
Hazard Awareness and Prevention Measures
Like all forms of energy, natural gas must be handled properly.
A gas leak caused by damage to a pipeline may pose a hazard and has
the potential to ignite. FHNGA works diligently to ensure pipeline
safety through a variety of measures including:
- Coordination with Palmetto Utility Protection Services
(P.U.P.S) 811
- Inspection Programs and Workforce Qualifications
- Twenty four hour call dispatch 1-800-573-5556
- Design and Construction Practices
- State of SC Office of Regulatory Staff
FHNGA maintains an ongoing relationship with local emergency
response officials, in order to prepare for and respond to any
pipeline emergency. In an emergency call your local FHNGA office or
911.
Leak Recognition and Response
1. Potential hazards of products
transported
- Pipelines carry gaseous material under high pressure
- Natural gas is colorless and lighter than air
- Natural gas is flammable
- Any pipeline leak can be potentially hazardous
2. How to recognize a pipeline leak.
Sight-Smell-Sound
- Sight-Look for dirt
being blown in the air, mist, fog, bubbling in standing water, fire
coming from the ground or dead or dying vegetation.
- Sound-Listen for any
unusual noise like a roaring, blowing, hissing or whistling.
- Smell-Notice any
unusual odor. Natural gas is odorless. FHNGA adds an odorant
to natural gas to give it a
noticeable odor.
3. Response to a pipeline
leak
If you detect a gas leak:
- Turn off and abandon any motorized equipment you may be
operating.
- If in a building, ventilate by opening doors and windows, exit
the building immediately.
- Move to a safe environment immediately.
- Call FHNGA immediately at 1-800-573-5556 (use a neighbor's
telephone). In the event of fire or explosion call 911. Do not
assume someone else will report condition.
- Provide exact location, including any cross streets
- Avoid flames and operating electrical appliances and/or
equipment. Do not smoke or light matches.
- Do not use telephones including cell, flashlights or other
items that can produce a spark.
- Warn others to stay away.
- Do not attempt to correct the problem.
Damage Prevention
The greatest risk to underground natural
gas pipelines is the accidental damage during excavation. Even
minor damage such as a dent, scrape, crease or gouge to a pipeline
coating may cause a leak or failure. Call Before You Dig. The law
requires a 72 hour notice before you dig excluding weekends and
holidays. It's the law!
Notify PUPS by calling 811. It's a free call! PUPS will let us
know who you are and where you intend to dig. www.sc1pups.org
REPORT ANY SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITIES TO
FHNGA
1-800-573-5556
859-6375 EASLEY | 882-8126 SENECA | 847-7471 WILLIAMSTON
