Purpose

The purpose of this program is to provide general pipeline safety information to commercial excavators. The message will include the basic “Dig Safely” message, information about the use of one-call centers, how to recognize and respond to pipeline emergencies, and how to obtain additional information from the Association and its supporting members.

Scope

The program is directed toward all commercial excavators on a countywide level. It may be expanded to a statewide level, depending on member participation. The statewide programs executed in 2007 were: AZ, AL, CO, KS, LA, MS, MT, ND, NM, SD, and WY. Excavators are identified through several sources: commercial data providers (Info USA), excavators who have registered on the web site, industry listings, member lists, and other sources. A complete listing of the SIC codes that will be used is included below. Examples of excavators include:

• Construction companies
• Excavation equipment rental companies
• Public works officials
• Public street, road and highway departments (maintenance and construction)
• Timber companies
• Fence building companies
• Drain tiling companies
• Landscapers
• Well drillers

Program Elements

The elements include a direct mailing of the Excavation Safety Guide - Pipeline Edition (6MB pdf) and information available on the web site. The mailing is scheduled to be sent early in April. Follow up educational meetings will be coordinated on a local level with the one call organizations.

Damage Prevention Message Content

• The “Dig Safely“ message (Call the One-Call Center before digging, Wait for the site to be marked, Respect the marks, and Dig with care)
• The One-Call Center telephone numbers, the Dig Safely national referral number at 1-888-258-0808, and 811
• General information about what happens when the One-Call Center is notified, that the call may be required by law, and that the one-call locate service is typically free
• Direction to report even relatively minor damage to a pipeline or its protective coating because it can create an unsafe condition
• Consistency with the damage prevention best practices developed by the Common Ground Alliance (CGA) is required for all messages.

Leak Recognition and Emergency Response Message Content

• Potential hazards of various products
• Recognition of unsafe conditions and pipeline leaks by sight, sound, and smell
• Actions to take in response to leaks or other pipeline emergencies

Program Evaluations

An evaluation of program effectiveness will be performed every three years. The initial baseline evaluation of effectiveness was performed in 2007. The next evaluation is scheduled to be performed in 2010.

Documentation

All program documentation will be available from the website, including: identity of participating members, excavator lists, mail piece, and survey results.

Dues

The dues for extending the program to additional counties are based on the number of excavators in that county. A listing of the number of excavators in each county can be found in the 2007 Program Documentation folder accessed by clicking on the “Documents” section shown on the web drop down for “Member Programs”. To determine the cost for any county, multiply the number of excavators by $1.10.

Sign Up

Companies may sign up by completing and submitting a Member Application form. Current members may sign up by sending an email to info@pipelineawareness.org. State One-Call organizations may participate as sustaining members. Members are requested to sign up by February 1.