Damage Prevention Starts with You
Columbia
Gas strives to be a dependable partner to help you be safer and more efficient every day. Damage prevention is critical to protecting facilities, employees and customers. The well-being of the people and the communities we serve is of the utmost importance.
Columbia Gas Damage Prevention Specialists (DPS) are committed to partnering with excavators to prevent damages, complete jobs safely and more efficiently. Reach out to your local contact below to become a dedicated partner in safety together. We can
assist with a variety of needs related to locates, markings and the overall safe digging procedures.
If you have an emergency, you should always call 911 and then call us at
1-888-460-4332 (24/7).
Whether your project is big or small, contacting 811 before digging is the law and helps to avoid possible penalties, costly repairs, and injuries.
CONTACT 811
Anyone planning to excavate is required to contact Miss Utility by calling 811 or visiting MissUtility.net at least three business days before work begins.
ALLOW REQUIRED TIME FOR MARKING
You need to wait three business days in Maryland for utility locators to have an opportunity to mark the location of utility lines with flags or a special spray paint.
RESPECT THE MARKS
In Maryland, the tolerance zone is defined as the width of the utility line plus 18 inches on each side. Do not use power digging equipment within the tolerance zone.
EXCAVATE CAREFULLY
State law requires that you hand dig or use other nonmechanical means within the tolerance zone.
Remember: Never assume pipeline location or depth. Locating procedures do not verify depth of main. Erosion, weather conditions, terrain modifications and previous digging projects can alter the landscape and bring pipelines closer to the surface.
Work SafeColor codes for utilities
The flags and paint markings used by utilities indicate the type of utility that lies underground below.
Resources
VIDEO:
OK, I contacted 811. Now what?
Miss Utility
Always contact 811 at least three business days in advance to ensure lines can be marked prior to the start of your project. Visit Miss Utility for additional information.
Tips for Effective Use of 811
Watch this video from Common Ground Alliance to learn how you can help when making locate requests.
Provide quality information:
Specific dig site location and dimensions, correct contact name and phone number, and detailed description of work being performed.
Manage ticket quantity:
Give sufficient notice, eliminate unnecessary requests, and stop locates on completed jobs.
Miss Utility Excavator Brochure
Miss Utility Damage Prevention Guide
Basic information from Miss Utility on safe excavation practices in Maryland.
Paradigm Liaison Services – Maryland Pipeline Awareness
Maryland Pipeline Awareness information: safety information, annual meetings and meeting resources.
Cross Bore Safety
Cross Bores can pose a safety risk, if not addressed properly. Learn more about Cross Bore Safety.