Natural Gas Recognition and Response starts with you

Natural gas pipeline leaks or failures are rare, but an informed public can help prevent emergencies and minimize potential damage or injury in the unlikely event of an accident by knowing how to recognize and report pipeline problems.

 

Natural Gas Manual

 

Public Awareness & Damage Prevention

Oklahoma State University recognizes that Safety, Health and Environmental Stewardship are every employee’s responsibility. Protection of human safety and health and the environment will come first, no matter how urgent the job, project, or commercial interest. Our goal and commitment is to use superior standards and policies for the benefit of everyone who is a part of our operations or lives in the communities in which we operate. These principles are the foundation of our safety and environmental policies at OSU.

 

How to Identify A Leak

The following signs may indicate a natural gas pipeline leak or failure:

SIGHT: A dense fog, mist, or white cloud, bubbling in water and creeks, or blowing dust and discolored or dying vegetation.SMELL: Natural Gas is odorless, so a rotten egg odor is added to aid in leak detection.SOUND: Whistling, hissing, or roaring noise.

Partners In Pipeline Safety

America's pipeline industry maintains an enviable record of safety and reliability. Pipelines are by far the safest means of transportation today. The purpose of our pipeline is to provide safe, dependable, natural gas to Oklahoma State University gas burning appliances 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, despite strict federal oversight and the conscientious efforts of our University, hazards do exist and emergencies, though infrequent, can occur. Statistics show that most pipeline damage is caused by third parties digging near buried pipelines (construction contractors, property owners, excavators, etc.). Damage to a pipeline, such as scratches, gouges, creases, dents, and the cutting of tracer wire or tracer tape installed along with polyethylene plastic, should be reported to the OSU 24-hour emergency number. Third-party damage can be prevented by using a local excavation notification system known as OKIE One-Call and it is FREE!
In Oklahoma, the law requires anyone planning to dig or excavate near an underground pipeline to notify OKIE One-Call Center two working days (48-hours) prior to beginning excavation activities. The OKIE One-Call center will notify member utilities that operate buried facilities in the area. A utility representative will determine if the project is near underground facilities and dispatch someone to the work site to clearly mark the route and location of buried cables and/or pipelines.
Call 811 or 1-800-522-6543 and remember – it is FREE!