If You Contact a Utility

There's no such thing as minor damage to utilities.
What looks like a small nick in a gas, sewer, electricity, or water line can result in a major health and fire hazard to the surrounding neighborhood. And damaged phone lines or fiber optic cables can disrupt 911 emergency service.

Never bury a damaged utility.
Trying to cover up an accident can be dangerous, and can lead to costly damages or criminal charges against you and your company. Take the following steps instead:

In case of electrical contact:

• Call 911 and the electric company immediately.
• Warn co-workers to stay away.
• Do NOT touch the equipment and the ground at the same time.
• Stay on the equipment unless it's on fire.
• If you must exit the equipment, jump clear and land with your feet together. Shuffle away with feet together and on the ground.

In case of gas pipeline contact:

• Call 911 and your gas utility immediately.
• Call your supervisor.
• Keep people out of the area.
• Keep all ignition sources (like vehicles) away, as this can cause gas to ignite.
• Be available to tell emergency personnel what happened.

In case of other utility contact:

• Notify your supervisor and the utility owner immediately.
• If you cut a fiber optic cable, do not look into the end of it. This can cause serious eye damage even if the light source is not visible.

In the event of any type of utility contact, take appropriate safety steps and notify your supervisor and the utility immediately.