Recognize a Pipeline Leak by Sight, Sound, Smell
LOOK - A pool of liquid on the ground, a white cloud or fog, or discolored vegetation are signs of a possible leak around the pipeline area.
LISTEN - Listen for any unusual noise like a hissing or roaring sound.
SMELL- Notice any unusual odor.
If You Suspect a Pipeline Leak
- Turn off and abandon equipment
- Leave the area quickly
- Warn Others
- Seek the aid of local authorities
- Notify the pipeline operator immediately
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FAQ - About Pipelines in Your Community
How can I tell where a pipeline is located?
Look for these signs:
- Located near roads, railroads and along pipeline right-of-ways
- Marker for pipeline patrol plane
- Pipeline casing vent
- Painted metal or plastic posts
- NOTE: Emergency phone numbers on signs
Since pipelines are buried underground, line markers are used to indicate their approximate location along the route. The markers can be found where a pipeline intersects a street, highway or railway. The markers display the material transported in the line, the name of the pipeline operator, and a telephone number where the operator can be reached in the event of an emergency.
Are pipeline markers always placed on top of the pipeline?
Markers indicate the general location of a pipeline. They cannot be relied upon to indicate exact position of the pipeline they mark. Also, the pipeline may not follow a straight course between markers. And, while markers are helpful in locating pipelines, they are limited in the information they provide. They provide no information, for example, on the depth or number of pipelines in the vicinity.
What do pipelines contain?
Pipelines carry both gaseous and liquid materials, and some of those products are colorless and odorless. Because all of the materials are flammable, any pipeline leak is potentially dangerous.
Many pipeline liquids can form gaseous vapor clouds when released into the air. Some pipeline gases are lighter than air and will rise. Other heavier-than-air gases and liquids will stay near the ground and collect in low spots.
What actions should be taken by Public Safety Officials?
If you are a public safety official, you know to take whatever steps you deem necessary to safeguard the public in the event of a pipeline emergency. The following suggestions are offered as a guide:
- Secure the area around the leak to a safe distance. This could include the evacuation of people from homes, businesses, schools, and other locations, as well as the erection of barricades to control access to the emergency site and similar precautions.
- If the pipeline leak is not burning, take steps to prevent ignition. This could include prohibiting smoking, rerouting traffic, and shutting off the electricity and gas supply.
- If the pipeline leak is burning, try to prevent the spread of fire but do not attempt to extinguish it. Burning petroleum products will not explode. If the fire is extinguished, gas or vapor will collect and could explode when reignited by secondary fires.
Contact the pipeline company as quickly as possible. Pipeline marker signs show the pipeline company's name, emergency telephone number, and pipeline contents.