When working at a construction site no matter where contractors can not take any underground line strike lightly. Natural gas by far one of the most volatile and lethal fuels for dig crews, striking a gas line leaves only seconds to make the right decision that can save lives.
Lubbock Fire & Rescue, Atmos Energy, Centurion, EnLink Midstream, Goodnight Midstream, OneOK, Plains, Vermeer, Enertech, and Texas811 presented a free public safety event which showcased a hands-on scenario training, it highlights a mock gas pipeline rupture, and what steps to take immediately.
"It's about the safety of the construction operator, it's about the safety of the public around where he is doing the construction," said Marinda Heinrich, with Atmos Energy. "Ultimately it's about the safety of the Atmos Energy gas system."
Atmos Energy reports that there's a gas line rupture every 43 seconds somewhere in the United States. There has been 52 strikes in Lubbock this year alone. Heinrich cites careless digging as the main cause.
"If you hit a natural gas pipeline it can be very, very dangerous," said Heinrich. "And very costly for the individual who hits it not only for his own health and well being, but the well being of everyone around him were he is digging."
Before doing any sort of digging, whether at a construction site or your home call 811. If you do hit a gas pipeline shut the operation down, get to a safe place, and call 911. Heinrich said an excavator only has one hour to report the damage to 811 or face greater fines from the Rail Road Commission.
Friday, July 19 2019 10:41 AM EDT2019-07-19 14:41:38 GMT
Monday, July 22 2019 7:01 AM EDT2019-07-22 11:01:41 GMT
(AP Photo/Caleb Jones, File). FILE - In this Sunday, July 14, 2019, file photo, the sun sets behind telescopes at the summit of Mauna Kea. Scientists are expected to explore fundamental questions about our universe when they use a giant new telescope p...
(AP Photo/Caleb Jones, File). FILE - In this Sunday, July 14, 2019, file photo, the sun sets behind telescopes at the summit of Mauna Kea. Scientists are expected to explore fundamental questions about our universe when they use a giant new telescope p...
Scientists are expected to explore fundamental questions about the universe when they use a giant new telescope planned for the summit of Hawaii's tallest mountain.
Scientists are expected to explore fundamental questions about the universe when they use a giant new telescope planned for the summit of Hawaii's tallest mountain.
Saturday, July 20 2019 10:11 AM EDT2019-07-20 14:11:20 GMT
Monday, July 22 2019 7:01 AM EDT2019-07-22 11:01:39 GMT
(Neil Armstrong/NASA via AP). In this July 20, 1969 photo made available by NASA, astronaut Buzz Aldrin, lunar module pilot, walks on the surface of the moon during the Apollo 11 extravehicular activity.
(Neil Armstrong/NASA via AP). In this July 20, 1969 photo made available by NASA, astronaut Buzz Aldrin, lunar module pilot, walks on the surface of the moon during the Apollo 11 extravehicular activity.
Celebrations are in full swing across the country for the 50th anniversary of humanity's first footsteps on the moon.
Celebrations are in full swing across the country for the 50th anniversary of humanity's first footsteps on the moon.
After a week of strict dieting and workouts, a drink on the weekend can seem like a harmless way to let loose. But alcohol, like anything else we put in our bodies, carries its own calories and long term effects we should be aware of.
After a week of strict dieting and workouts, a drink on the weekend can seem like a harmless way to let loose. But alcohol, like anything else we put in our bodies, carries its own calories and long term effects we should be aware of.
Sunday, July 21 2019 11:31 AM EDT2019-07-21 15:31:24 GMT
Monday, July 22 2019 12:21 AM EDT2019-07-22 04:21:51 GMT
(AP Photo/Patrick Semansky). House Judiciary Committee Chair Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., walks to the House Chamber, Tuesday, July 16, 2019, on Capitol Hill in Washington.
(AP Photo/Patrick Semansky). House Judiciary Committee Chair Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., walks to the House Chamber, Tuesday, July 16, 2019, on Capitol Hill in Washington.
The House Judiciary Committee chairman says this week's hearing with special counsel Robert Mueller will highlight findings of wrongdoing by President Donald Trump that he says could warrant impeachment.
The House Judiciary Committee chairman says this week's hearing with special counsel Robert Mueller will highlight findings of wrongdoing by President Donald Trump that he says could warrant impeachment.
Tyson Isaac, 18, is charged with aggravated assault.
Tyson Isaac, 18, is charged with aggravated assault.
A highly coordinated effort, from multiple law enforcement agencies, has led to arrests linked to the two overnight shootings that occurred on July 16, and July 17, 2019. These shootings resulted in several injuries and one death.
Anti-gang investigators have arrested five men for two shootings they say were related. All five are 21 or younger.
Friday, July 19 2019 1:01 PM EDT2019-07-19 17:01:07 GMT
Saturday, July 20 2019 4:11 AM EDT2019-07-20 08:11:21 GMT
(AP Photo/Richard Drew). Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif addresses the High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, at United Nations headquarters, Wednesday, July 17, 2019.
(AP Photo/Richard Drew). Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif addresses the High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, at United Nations headquarters, Wednesday, July 17, 2019.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard has released video images it claims proves that a U.S. warship did not destroy an Iranian drone near the Persian Gulf.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard has released video images it claims proves that a U.S. warship did not destroy an Iranian drone near the Persian Gulf.
