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| Welcome to National Grid’s Tips of the Trade. National Grid is committed to your safety, and these tips are intended to help you work safely near our natural gas pipelines. Please review these tips with your coworkers at your tailgate or toolbox meetings before work begins. |
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| The risks of violating safe‑digging laws |
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| Notifying the 811 service and waiting for buried utility lines to be marked before you dig is not optional: It’s required by law. These and other safe‑digging requirements are designed to protect you from harm and to protect underground facilities from damage. Violating safe‑digging laws can have serious consequences, especially if you excavate around natural gas pipelines. |
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| Repairs and indirect costs |
| If you do not comply with safe‑digging laws and you are found liable for damaging a gas pipeline, your company will be responsible for the costs of pipeline repairs and gas service restoration. There may be indirect costs for your company as well. |
| The average cost for National Grid to make repairs and restore gas service after a gas pipeline damage incident is $3,000. Indirect costs, such as property damage, fines, litigation and increased insurance premiums, average $81,000 per incident. |
| Civil penalties |
| In New York and Massachusetts, you may face civil penalties for the following violations: |
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Failure to notify the 811 service before digging |
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Digging before your start date |
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Digging after your 811 ticket expires |
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Failing to pre-mark your dig area (Massachusetts only) |
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| In New York, the fine for these violations is up to $2,500 for the first offense and an additional $10,000 for each succeeding offense in a 12‑month period. In Massachusetts, the fine is $1,000 for the first offense and $5,000 to $10,000 for any subsequent offense within 12 consecutive months. |
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| Human costs |
| The risks of gas pipeline contacts are not only financial. Damage to a buried pipeline may cause a leak that results in a catastrophic fire or explosion. Even a tiny gouge, scrape, dent or crease to a gas pipeline or its coating may lead to property damage, injuries and fatalities. Don’t risk it! Make sure you know and follow all safe‑digging laws. |
| Always contact your state 811 center before digging and for the most current
requirements. |
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