December 1, 2008

ATCO Gas launches province-wide campaign to urge use of one-call system

Richard Gilbert

staff writer

In response to the growing number of natural gas line hits, organizations in both B.C. and Alberta have launched public awareness campaigns.

In Alberta, ATCO Gas launched a province-wide campaign last month that aims to curb the number of gas line ruptures.

Contractors can call Alberta One-Call to find out where the gas lines are buried, but the utility company is still trying to get the word out.

“Safety is a core value for our customers, the public, our employees, contractors and our company which are being put at risk on a daily basis because someone has not made the call for line locations,” said ATCO Gas president Brian Hahn.

“Each time a gas line is hit there’s potential for tragedy and we are especially asking excavators to take the time to call for a line location to ensure everyone’s safety.”

Using billboards, transit bus wraps and radio spots, ATCO Gas is urging anyone planning excavation to use Alberta One-Call.

The BC Safety Authority (BCSA) recently conducted a pilot project called Can You Dig It? which combines the systematic collection of data with the education of excavators and the general public on safe digging practices.

In July, a safety officer with the BCSA attended 38 incidents as part of the project.

The BCSA is working on a root cause analysis that will be released in a report later this year.

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