Skip to main content Skip to navigation

Columbia Gas Logo
  • Our Company
  • Partner with Us
  • Emergency Contact Emergency Contact
  • My Account
    • Sign In / Register
      Program Enrollments
      • AutoPay
      • Paperless Billing
      • Budget Plan
      Account Dashboard
      Alerts & Notifications
      • Outage Alerts
      • Billing Alerts
      • Email Subscriptions
      View Accounts
      Manage Account
      • Contact Info
      • Wallet & Payment methods
      • Add Account
      • Remove Account
      • Account Security
      Bills & Payments
      • Pay My Bill
      • Pay with a Card
      • Bill & Payment History
      • My Usage
      • Understanding Your Bill
  • Products & Services
    • Start, Stop or Move Service
      • Construction and Renovation
      • Landlord Services
      • Business Support
      • Set a Service Appointment
      Convert to Natural Gas
      • Natural Gas Availability Form
      • Calculate Your Savings
      • Find a Contractor
      Home Protection Plans
      • Homeowner Protection Plans
      • Renter Protection Plans
      Renewable Energy Programs
      • RNG for Producers
      Alert Center
      Work in Your Neighborhood
      • Replacement Projects
      • Northern Loop Pipeline Project
      • Vegetation Management
      • Property Restoration
  • Safety
    • Natural Gas Safety
      • How to Recognize a Gas Leak
      • Contact 811 Before You Dig
      • Gas Line Responsibilities
      • Encroachment Awareness
      • Automatic Shut-Off Devices
      • Locating Gas Lines
      • Sewer Line Safety
      • Pipeline Integrity Management Plan
      • Advanced Leak Detection
      Excavators
      Home Safety
      • Appliance Safety
      • Carbon Monoxide
      • Proper Venting
      • Impostors and Scams
      • Find a Contractor
      • Safety Products
      • Digger’s Dog House
      Weather Safety
      • Flooding Safety
      • Winter Weather Safety
      Know Your Home
      • Exterior
      • Basement
      • Kitchen
      • Living Room
      • Laundry
      • Bedroom
      • Bathroom
      • Garage
      • Office
  • Bills & Payments
    • Pay My Bill
      Understanding Your Bill
      Payment Options
      • Find a Payment Location
      Report a Payment
      Billing Programs
      • Paperless Billing
      • AutoPay
      • Budget Plan
      • CHOICE®
      • Standard Choice Offer
      • Transportation Service
      • Governmental Aggregation
      Financial Support
      • Income-Eligible Assistance Programs
      • Payment Plans
      • Shut Off and Reconnect Process
      • Give the Gift of Energy
      • Contribute to HeatShare
  • Ways to Save
    • For Your Home
      • Home Energy Saving Tips
      • Income-Eligible Weatherization
      • Heating Cost Calculator
      For Your Business
      • Business Energy Tips
      Income Eligible Assistance Programs
      • Energy Assistance Resource Center
      • Eligibility Calculator
  • Help
    • Self-Service
      • Web
      • Chat
      • Mobile
      • Phone
      Forms
      • Document Upload Form
      • Release Form
      Quick Links
      • Alert Center
      • Report an Emergency
      • Imposters and Scams
      Help Center
      • Understanding Your Bill
      • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Contact Us
{[{ initials }]}
{[{ notificationCount }]}
My Account {[{ displayName }]} Sign Out
Sign In / Register

Email

{[{ displayName }]} Sign Out

Access My Account
Manage Your Account
Forgot email?
Forgot password?
Don't have an online account?
Register an account or Pay without signing in
Logo
menu close

Emergency Information

1-800-344-4077

Have an emergency?

If you smell gas, think you have a gas leak, have carbon monoxide symptoms or have some other emergency situation, go outside and call 911 and then call us at 1-800-344-4077 (24/7).


Emergency Contact
{[{ initials }]}
{[{ notificationCount }]}
My Account {[{ displayName }]} Sign Out
Welcome
Manage Your Account
Sign In / Register
  • My Account
    • Sign In / Register
    • Account Dashboard
    • View Accounts
    • Bills & Payments
      • Pay My Bill
      • Pay with a Card
      • Bill & Payment History
      • My Usage
      • Understanding Your Bill
    • Program Enrollments
      • AutoPay
      • Paperless Billing
      • Budget Plan
    • Alerts & Notifications
      • Outage Alerts
      • Billing Alerts
      • Email Subscriptions
    • Manage Account
      • Contact Info
      • Wallet & Payment methods
      • Add Account
      • Remove Account
      • Account Security
  • Products & Services
    • Start, Stop or Move Service
      • Construction and Renovation
        • Service Application
      • Landlord Services
      • Business Support
      • Set a Service Appointment
    • Home Protection Plans
      • Homeowner Protection Plans
      • Renter Protection Plans
    • Alert Center
    • Work in Your Neighborhood
      • Replacement Projects
        • Columbus and Springfield Projects
        • Toledo and Northwestern Ohio Projects
        • Northeastern and North Central Ohio Projects
        • Eastern and Southern Ohio Projects
      • Northern Loop Pipeline Project
      • Vegetation Management
      • Property Restoration
    • Convert to Natural Gas
      • Natural Gas Availability Form
      • Calculate Your Savings
      • Find a Contractor
    • Renewable Energy Programs
      • RNG for Producers
        • Renewable Natural Gas Application
  • Safety
    • Natural Gas Safety
      • How to Recognize a Gas Leak
      • Contact 811 Before You Dig
      • Gas Line Responsibilities
      • Encroachment Awareness
      • Automatic Shut-Off Devices
      • Locating Gas Lines
      • Sewer Line Safety
      • Pipeline Integrity Management Plan
      • Advanced Leak Detection
    • Home Safety
      • Appliance Safety
        • Safe Appliance Installation
        • Care for Your Appliances
      • Carbon Monoxide
      • Proper Venting
      • Impostors and Scams
      • Find a Contractor
      • Safety Products
      • Digger’s Dog House
    • Weather Safety
      • Flooding Safety
      • Winter Weather Safety
    • Know Your Home
      • Exterior
      • Basement
      • Kitchen
      • Living Room
      • Laundry
      • Bedroom
      • Bathroom
      • Garage
      • Office
    • Excavators
  • Bills & Payments
    • Pay My Bill
    • Payment Options
      • Find a Payment Location
    • Billing Programs
      • Paperless Billing
      • AutoPay
      • Budget Plan
      • CHOICE®
      • Standard Choice Offer
      • Transportation Service
      • Governmental Aggregation
    • Financial Support
      • Income-Eligible Assistance Programs
        • Energy Assistance Resource Center
        • Eligibility Calculator
      • Payment Plans
      • Shut Off and Reconnect Process
      • Give the Gift of Energy
      • Contribute to HeatShare
    • Understanding Your Bill
    • Report a Payment
  • Ways to Save
    • For Your Home
      • Home Energy Saving Tips
      • Income-Eligible Weatherization
      • Heating Cost Calculator
    • For Your Business
      • Business Energy Tips
    • Income Eligible Assistance Programs
      • Energy Assistance Resource Center
      • Eligibility Calculator
    • Heating Cost Calculator
  • Help
    • Self-Service
      • Web
      • Chat
      • Mobile
      • Phone
    • Forms
      • Document Upload Form
      • Release Form
    • Quick Links
      • Alert Center
      • Report an Emergency
      • Imposters and Scams
    • Help Center
      • Understanding Your Bill
      • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Contact Us
        • Feedback Form
  • Our Company
  • Partner with Us
Excavators

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

View Transcript

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. 


Specialists

Mike Lambdin
(419) 270-0282
Beau Pearce
(419) 266-9870
Tom Harris
(614) 572-6042
Tom Henley
(419) 957-0304
Keaton Wilson
(440) 616-1193
Nick Reed
(440) 616-0913
Larry Wilkin
(740) 624-1900a
Don Austin
(740) 381-1052
Lori Wade
(614) 493-7368
Kermit Jeter
(614) 557-0675
Corey Terry
(614) 981-9035
T Schleich
(937) 624-6706
Martin Wiesler
(740) 541-5563
  

 


coh-damage-prevention-specialists
Click map to enlarge
Follow these steps for safe excavation and remember to plan, prepare and dig with care! 

Whether your project is big or small, contacting 811 before digging is the law and helps to avoid possible penalties, costly repairs, and injuries. 
Excavator Steps CARE
CONTACT 811 
Anyone planning to excavate is required to contact OHIO811 by calling 811 or visiting OHIO811.org at least two business days before work begins. 

ALLOW REQUIRED TIME FOR MARKING 
You need to wait two business days in Ohio for utility locators to have an opportunity to mark the location of utility lines with flags or a special spray paint. 

RESPECT THE MARKS 
You need to wait two business days in Ohio for utility locators to have an opportunity to mark the location of utility lines with flags or a special spray paint. 

EXCAVATE CAREFULLY 
State law requires that you hand dig or use other nonmechanical means within the tolerance zone. 

Remember: Never assume pipeline location or depth. Locating procedures do not verify depth of main. Erosion, weather conditions, terrain modifications and previous digging projects can alter the landscape and bring pipelines closer to the surface. 

 
Safety
  • Natural Gas Safety
    • How to Recognize a Gas Leak
    • Contact 811 Before You Dig
    • Gas Line Responsibilities
    • Encroachment Awareness
    • Automatic Shut-Off Devices
    • Locating Gas Lines
    • Sewer Line Safety
    • Pipeline Integrity Management Plan
    • Advanced Leak Detection
  • Home Safety
    • Appliance Safety
      • Safe Appliance Installation
      • Care for Your Appliances
    • Carbon Monoxide
    • Proper Venting
    • Impostors and Scams
    • Find a Contractor
    • Safety Products
    • Digger’s Dog House
  • Weather Safety
    • Flooding Safety
    • Winter Weather Safety
  • Know Your Home
    • Exterior
    • Basement
    • Kitchen
    • Living Room
    • Laundry
    • Bedroom
    • Bathroom
    • Garage
    • Office
  • Excavators
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.

Line marking flags explaination Tolerance Zone

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.


Paving Over Valves
Read this important reminder about valves when completing restoration.

  • Our Company
  • About Us
  • Columbia Cares
  • Rates and Tariffs
  • News Room
  • Careers
  • Partner with Us
  • Builders and Developers
  • Contractors and Plumbers
  • Economic Development
  • Emergency Responders
  • Excavators
  • Quick Links
  • Sign In
  • Outages
  • Ways to Pay
  • Get Help Paying
  • Mobile App
  • Need Help?
  • FAQs
  • Contact Us
  • Call 1-800-344-4077
  • Connect with Us
facebook logo
xlogo
linkedin logo
© 2025 Columbia Gas of Ohio Inc.    Terms of Use    Privacy Notice    Accessibility Statement   

Have an emergency?

If you smell gas, think you have a gas leak, have carbon monoxide symptoms or have some other emergency situation, go outside and call 911 and then call us at 1-800-344-4077 (24/7).