Protect Yourself and the Public, Dial 811 Before You Dig; Its the Law

As spring brings construction work by contractors and homeowners installing waterproofing, fencing, decks, patios, swimming pools, and other road and sidewalk improvements, Con Edison reminds contractors and other members of the public to prioritize safety and call 811 before starting any digging or excavation project, no matter the size. Even small projects like planting a flower bed or bush or putting up a mailbox require a call.

The “Call 811 Before You Dig” program sends a technician at no charge to mark out utility-owned lines with stakes, flags, or paint, so that excavators can avoid them. It’s required by law and helps keep everyone safe.

“Calling 811 helps avoid fines, potentially expensive repairs, and most importantly keeps us all safe,” said Peter Corredor, a project specialist in Con Edison’s Construction - Quality Assurance Group. “This safety requirement is particularly important in a region like ours where the underground environment is such a thick maze of facilities that are dangerous if struck by excavating equipment.”

If you see a contractor or neighbor digging without markings on the ground, you are encouraged to anonymously report it to the 811 call centers. When Con Edison responds to an 811 call, its personnel mark the approximate location of the company’s gas, electric and steam facilities with colored paint or small flags. Pipeline markers are linked to utility specific name, phone number, color and in case of emergency, pipeline operator contact information.

Staying away from Con Edison’s underground equipment can prevent damage that can cause a dangerous gas leak or damage the electric or steam system. Even the slightest scratch, scrape, dent, or gouge can create a hazard for workers and anyone nearby.

• Con Edison works year-round to keep its systems safe and reliable.
• Last year, Con Edison crews responded to more than 99 percent of gas odor calls in under 30 minutes.
• The company has also installed natural gas detectors in more than 75 percent of buildings connected to the gas system. Those devices send alerts about potential gas leaks.
• Con Edison has an aggressive gas main replacement program, which helps prevent leaks and safety issues, and reduces the emission of methane, a greenhouse gas.
• Con Edison urges anyone who suspects a gas odor to leave the area and get others to evacuate too. Once out of the area, call 1-800-75-CONED or 911.

Excavators working with gas piping should take precautions:

• Do not purge the contents of a gas line into a confined space. Any purging should be done by venting the contents to the outside atmosphere away from potential ignition sources.
• Always use gas detection equipment, a combustible gas detector, during purging operations or when otherwise working on or around gas piping.
• Do not rely on your sense of smell alone to detect the presence of natural gas.
• Consult the National Fuel Gas Code (NFPA) Chapter 8 and all applicable laws and regulations for additional purging requirements.
• When installing gas appliances or equipment, follow the manufacturer’s instruction manual in accordance with national, state, or local codes.

Excavators who damage underground facilities because they did not follow the 811 regulations face hefty fines and repair costs. This can create unnecessary service interruptions and, worse yet, potentially endanger the public.

If you hit gas infrastructure, call 911 and Con Edison at 1-800-75-CONED (1-800-752-6633).

April is National Safe Digging Month, a time when utilities, government agencies and other parties step up their campaigns to educate the public about the importance of calling 811. The call and service are free, and it’s the law.

Con Edison is a subsidiary of Consolidated Edison, Inc. [NYSE: ED], one of the nation’s largest investor-owned energy companies. The utility delivers electricity, natural gas and steam, and serves 3.7 million customers in New York City and Westchester County, NY. For financial, operations and customer service information, visit conEd.com.