The Editor:
Each year thousands of injuries and many deaths could be prevented if more Canadians picked up the phone before digging.
Enbridge, along with many business and government partners have declared April as "Safe Digging Month." We want to help Canadians stop taking unnecessary risks and have utility lines professionally marked before they dig.
At Enbridge, safety is our priority. We understand the importance of safe excavation practices and the real need for the Call Before You Dig program. Third party strikes are the leading cause of incidents on utilities - including pipelines. The good news is there is a solution, and it's as simple as calling your local one-call centre.
As the ground thaws and everyone starts planning outdoor home improvement projects, we need you to make the call before you break ground.
When to call
You need to call your local one-call centre for every digging project, no matter how large or small. Whether it's installing a mailbox, building a deck, planting a tree, digging a swimming pool, or a full-scale professional excavation job, the One-Call Centre will notify all the utility providers at no cost.
There are many utilities underground that need to be marked before digging including:
communications
electrical
gas
water
sewer
storm drainage
transmission pipelines
oil and gas production lines
Marking where the lines are and how deep they run will keep you and your family safe - preventing injury or death.
Make the call
When you call your local one-call centre you talk to an operator who will help determine what utilities are in the area. Professionals will be sent out to mark the lines, pipes and cables, so you'll know what's below - and be able to dig safely.
Never assume your contractor will make the call for you. Always ask and confirm that the call has been made. Privately installed utilities may not be located by utility companies, and you may need to hire a professional locator for these lines.
Here are some simple steps to follow:
Call your provincial one-call centre before you dig.
Make sure any parties digging on site, even professionals, have a "One Call" ticket number.
Call at least two to three working days before you plan to dig.
Wait for the professional to mark any buried lines.
Understand and respect the markings.
If the temporary markings disappear, have them remarked.
If your work project or plans change, call your provincial one-call centre again to have the lines remarked.
Report any damage caused or found to the line owner.
Dig safely!
Safety is our priority and as a pipeline operator in your area, we need you to dig safely and to keep you, your family, friends and neighbours safe. Always call before you dig and help keep everyone safe.
Please visit enbridge.com/callbeforeyoudig or call 811.com for more information about safe digging practices.
Cynthia Hansen,
Vice-president, Canadian Operations
Enbridge Pipelines Inc.
