Safety Information
Video 1 – Cross Bore Awareness
Video 2 – Gas Leak Safety
Video 3 – Dig Safe
Video 4 – Meter Matters
Safety is the highest priority in the natural gas industry. The natural gas industry and its distribution network are routinely subject to rigorous inspection, maintenance, and oversight within the company and at the federal and state level. This includes the promulgation of a pipeline integrity management rule that requires periodic pipeline inspections and repairs as necessary.
Natural gas utilities and pipelines undertake a wide range of safety programs, including:
- Participation in excavation damage prevention initiatives, installing above-ground markers to indicate the location of buried gas lines.
- Performing visual inspections and leak surveys of their systems to identify potential problems.
- Maintaining rigid requirements for qualification and inspection of construction techniques used in their systems.
- Supporting research and development focused on inspection technologies, pipeline integrity, corrosion prevention, and construction techniques.
Homeowners protect yourself from injury. Before planting trees, shrubs, installing fences, mailboxes, or whatever excavating activities you are doing, make a call to your one-call center. Call Dig Safe by dialing 811 at least three business days before you dig, auger, or move dirt in any way. Year to date, homeowners have damaged numerous gas facilities. Remember for your safety and to minimize expensive repair bills, call to have your gas facilities located prior to any digging.
Excess Flow Valve Notification (EFV)
Awareness of Hazards and Prevention Measures
If you come in contact with a natural gas pipeline leak take the following steps:
- Leave the area immediately.
- Move to a safe location and then call your local gas utility.
- Abandon any equipment being used in or near the suspected leak.
- Warn others to stay away when possible.
Leak Recognition
Learn the warning signs of natural gas pipeline leaks:
- A rotten egg smell
- Dirt spraying in the air
- A hissing sound
- Bubbling in a pond, creek, or river
- Dead or dying vegetation
Leak Response
IF YOU SMELL GAS INSIDE OF A BUILDING:
The following is a list of procedures to follow should you ever detect the smell of gas within your home or business. Following these steps will help ensure your safety as well as others.
- Do NOT turn on or off any electrical switches or devices including cell phones.
- Extinguish all open flames. Do NOT use matches or lighters.
- Leave the building immediately. Open doors and windows as you exit the building.
- Evacuate to a safe distance.
- Call 911 and/or Bangor Gas at (207) 941-9595 or 1-877-427-7991
- Provide 911 and/or Bangor Gas with:
- Your name and a call back phone number.
- The address or location of reported gas odor.
- A description of where the odor is detected, for example, in the kitchen at the stove, outside by the gas meter, etc.
IF YOU SMELL GAS OUTSIDE OF A BUILDING
- Notify Bangor Gas at (207) 941-9595 or 1-877-427-7991, and provide the following information.
- Your name and call back number.
- Address or location of the reported gas odor.
- Description of where the odor is being detected.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is a silent killer. Assure that fuel-burning appliances are installed, maintained, and used properly and safely. That includes having an annual inspection of heating and venting equipment by a “qualified heating and plumbing shop” prior to the heating season, and the use of a carbon monoxide alarm that meets current standards.
Customer Piping Maintenance
Based on the requirements of the Maine Public Utilities Commission Chapter 420, Safety Standards for Natural Gas and Liquefied Natural Gas Facilities, it is the customer’s responsibility to comply with and maintain their piping in accordance with NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) 54 to prevent atmospheric corrosion. Failure to do so will require Bangor Gas to shut off the service.
Safety Documents
Gas Leak Safety Information
Additional Information
If you need additional information, please contact Bangor Gas.
