Damage Prevention Starts with You

Columbia Gas strives to be a dependable partner to help you be safer and more efficient every day. Damage prevention is critical to protecting facilities, employees and customers. The well-being of the people and the communities we serve is of the utmost importance.

Columbia Gas Damage Prevention Specialists (DPS) are committed to partnering with excavators to prevent damages, complete jobs safely and more efficiently. Reach out to your local contact below to become a dedicated partner in safety together. We can assist with a variety of needs related to locates, markings and the overall safe digging procedures.

If you have an emergency, you should always call 911 and then call us at
1-800-344-4077 (24/7).

Ohio Excavator DPS 00:02:37

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Partners in Safety

Excavators x Columbia Gas

Property loss. Project delays. Penalties and injuries.

The consequences of damaging an underground utility can be costly – not to mention dangerous.

That’s why, it's always best to have the Xperts Mark the Spot.

As an excavator, you should first contact 811 to have the experts mark underground utilities before work begins.

And team up with a Columbia Gas Damage Prevention Specialist – or DPS – right from the start.

Because without these important steps, you're digging in the dark.

Drilling blind.

Augering for trouble.

So, to help you stay safe out there and ensure your projects run smoothly, we've put together a few friendly reminders.

Let’s dig in already...or rather – don't!

Super: Call 811 Before You Dig

Before any project that requires digging, remember to first contact 811. It’s the law.

This way utility lines will be marked, identifying a clear route for digging safely on your jobsite.

When contacting 811:

Call or place a ticket at least 2 business days in advance.

Contact regardless of the depth you’ll be digging.

Wait for utility lines to be marked and check for positive response, confirming that all utilities have been located.

Then, start excavation within 10 days before your ticket expires, respecting the tolerance zone of 18 inches on either side of the pipe and hand exposing when required.

Super: Partner with Your Damage Prevention Specialist (DPS)

Don’t forget, in addition to calling 811, you can reach out to your dedicated DPS at any time.

Think of them as your safety sidekick…

At the ready to answer site-specific questions and assist with things like:

Locating issues, line relocations, replacement of broken materials, and more.

Basically, their job is to make your job easier, more efficient, and safer.

And the sooner you get in touch – and stay in touch – the better for everyone.

Super: What to Do If Damage Occurs

In the event a pipe is hit or you suspect a gas leak, remember to:

Leave the area immediately.

Turn off and abandon any equipment. Don’t use anything that might cause a spark.

Call 911 and Columbia Gas.

Stay a safe distance away, and keep the public away while you wait for crews to arrive.

And never try to restrict the flow of gas – it could make things worse.

Safer Together

Working together, we can help make sure your project stays on track and everyone in the community stays safe.

For more information on Ohio's laws regarding safe digging or to find the dedicated DPS for your territory, go to columbia gas ohio dot com slash excavators.

Construction DPS

Kyle Mangione
(740) 656-2347
Supporting Columbus, Springfield, Three Rivers and Ironton

Joe DeLuca
(440) 420-7263
Supporting Toledo, Lake Erie, Heartland, and North Pointe

Rich Cutler
(330) 610-0782
Supporting Muskingum Valley, Ohio Valley, and Great Trail

Columbia Gas of Ohio Construction Coverage Map

Work Safe

See our Excavators Fact Sheet to learn about Pipeline Identification & Safe Excavation Practices.

Download in English Descargar en Español

Color codes for utilities

The flags and paint markings used by utilities indicate the type of utility that lies underground below.

Resources

Ohio811

Always call 811 at least two business days in advance to ensure lines can be marked prior to the start of your project. Visit Ohio811 for additional information.

Tips for Effective Use of 811
Watch this video from Common Ground Alliance to learn how you can help when making locate requests.

Provide quality information:
Specific dig site location and dimensions, correct contact name and phone number, and detailed description of work being performed.

Manage ticket quantity:
Give sufficient notice, eliminate unnecessary requests, and stop locates on completed jobs.

Ohio811 Excavator Manual and Universal Standard Markings
Basic information from Ohio811 on safe excavation practices in Ohio.

Paradigm Liaison Services – Ohio Pipeline Awareness
Ohio Pipeline Awareness information: safety information, annual meetings and meeting resources.

Cross Bore Safety
Cross Bores can pose a safety risk, if not addressed properly. Learn more about Cross Bore Safety.

Emergency Information

Have an emergency?

Damage Prevention Starts with You

View Transcript

Construction DPS

Color codes for utilities

Resources