|
 |
|
 |
| Everyone’s resources have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. You can help prevent locate delays by pre-marking your proposed dig area in white and notifying 811 of your planned excavation with as much lead time as is possible: up to 14 calendar days in California. To learn more about PG&E’s response to COVID-19, click here. |
|
|
Like many utilities, PG&E installs underground natural gas pipelines and power lines using a trenchless technique that avoids damage to streets, sidewalks and landscapes. On rare occasions, sewer laterals serving homes or businesses may not be detected when new utility lines are installed in this manner. As a result, a utility line may be bored directly through a sewer lateral in what is known as a “cross bore.” |
|
| Know the Dangers |
| A cross bore through a sewer lateral will impede the flow of sewage and eventually lead to a blockage. If you attempt to remove the blockage with mechanical equipment, you risk cutting a live natural gas or electric utility line, threatening lives and property with fire, explosion or serious electrical shock. |
| Take These Steps to Work Safely |
| • |
Before clearing any blocked sewer lateral, use an inline camera to inspect the blockage. If the camera view is obstructed due to the clog, vacuum it out first. |
|
|
| • |
If a camera is not available, run a hydro-jetter through the line to clear it. Do NOT use a cutting tool. If you sense resistance that does not resemble a tree root or other common obstruction, do not force it. Stop immediately and call PG&E. |
|
| • |
If you have used a cutting tool, look for colored plastic on the blades when you withdraw it, and watch for gas bubbles escaping. If you suspect a gas leak, warn all inhabitants and evacuate immediately. Do not use anything electrical, even a phone or light switch, as any spark could ignite the leaking gas. From a safe location, call 911 immediately and then PG&E at 1-800-743-5000. |
|
| • |
If you hit an electric line, warn others and leave the area immediately. Abandon tools and equipment. Anything in contact with the power line poses a serious shock hazard. Call 911 immediately and then PG&E at 1-800-743-5000. |
|
|
| If You Work for a Public Sewer Agency |
| Be alert for cross bores in sewer mains, and follow the precautions cited here before attempting to clear any blockage. PG&E experiences hundreds of dig-in incidents each year from sewer and water related work. |
| Would You Like to Know More? |
| Additional utility safety tips, case studies, instructional videos and training tools can all be found, at no charge to you, on PG&E's e-SMARTworkers website. |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
| Notify 811 and dig safely |
|
| Call 811 or use the online ticket system at california811.org at least two working days prior to starting work (not including the date of your request, weekends and legal holidays). |
|
|
|
| |
|
| Report all damage |
|
| If you suspect a gas leak or if you contact a gas pipeline or electric power line, call 911 immediately and then PG&E at 1-800-743-5000. If a gas pipeline is damaged, you must also file a damage report with the Dig Safe Board at california811.org within two hours. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
