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NEB Inspectors

If you are wondering:

Why is calling before you dig so important?
Who should be calling?
What kinds of projects should trigger a locate request?
When should you call?
Where can you get more information?
Where can you find the number to call?
Safety Check List

Why is calling before you dig so important?

Accidental damage to pipelines and other buried infrastructure can have serious consequences for people, property and the environment. The best way to find out if you have pipelines in the vicinity of your project is to contact a One-Call Centre, or the company directly. The pipeline company's phone number is shown on the pipeline markers. It's a free call.

Who should be calling?

Contractors, landowners / tenants, municipal planners, utility companies or landscapers should all consider calling. In other words, anyone who is planning an excavation or a construction project near a federally regulated pipeline or any other type of buried infrastructure.

Heavy machinery digging up street pavement

What kinds of projects should trigger a locate request?

You must make a locate request when an excavation is being planned on the pipeline right of way or within the 30-metre safety zone on either side of the right of way. Examples of such activities include planting / tree removal, installing a fence/deck, digging / clearing a ditch, and landscaping, etc.

Remaining in communication with the people doing the work is essential. If you have hired a contractor, provide them with the instructions from the pipeline company and ensure that these instructions are understood.

30-Metre Safety Zone

30-Metre Safety Zone

Pipeline company approval is required for any excavation using power operated equipment or explosives within the 30-metre safety zone. This safety zone does not preclude development.

When should you call?

A call made during the planning stage of your project will ensure that the pipeline locate can be done at a time that is convenient for you and is not likely to cause a delay in the project's schedule. Should you need to change your plans after having received the go-ahead from the company, call them again to ensure your revised project still meets safety requirements.

Where can you get more information?

If there is a One-Call Centre in your area, you should call them to request additional information. Otherwise, a call can be placed directly to the pipeline company - the number is on the pipeline marker.

Pipeline companies can determine if your project can proceed safely or if it has the potential to cause damage to the pipeline. According to the NEB Pipeline Crossing Regulations (PCRs), the pipeline companies are obligated to have a public awareness program in place that accomplishes the following:

Pipeline company obligations Regulatory Reference
- Pipeline Crossing Regulations (PCRs)

The company shall establish an ongoing public awareness program.

 RCP, Part II, subsection 4(1)

The company shall within 10 working days of receiving a request to construct or install a facility, inform the facility owner or excavator whether permission has been granted or refused.

 PCR, Part II, section 6

Within three working days the company shall:

  • inform the facility owner or excavator, in writing, of any special safety practices to be followed;
  • mark the location of its pipes using stakes; and
  • explain the significance of the stakes to the satisfaction of the facility owner or excavator
PCR, Part II, paragraphs 9(1)a-c
Carry out such inspections as are necessary to ensure the continued safety of the pipeline during the period of excavation. PCR, Part II, paragraphs (10)a-d

If permission is denied or delayed by the pipeline company, you may apply to the NEB for a review of your request.

Where can you find the number to call?

The pipeline company's phone number is shown on the pipeline markers as well as on its promotional items such as information brochures, fridge magnets, web sites. For those residing in a province/territory with a One-Call Centre, they can be contacted for further information. See Partners in Damage Prevention.

Here are some safety steps to incorporate into your project planning. It doesn't matter whether you are a landowner, a contractor or a municipal planner - working safely around pipelines is in everyone's best interest.

Safety Checklist

Whenever you're planning a project that involves digging, plan for safety first!

Protect people and property. Call Before you Dig! Here are some safety steps to incorporate into your project planning. Whether you are a homeowner, a contractor or a municipal planner, working safely around pipelines is in everyone's best interest.

Following these steps will help to ensure that your project will proceed safely.

 

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Date Modified:
2012-02-01