Work safely around our natural gas utilities
Your safety is important to us
We work hard to deliver safe, reliable natural gas service to our customers, and we want you to be safe while working near our above- or below-ground facilities. We construct, operate, maintain and inspect our natural gas system in accordance with state and federal pipeline safety regulations. If a potential problem is discovered, our crews respond and resolve the problem, following current industry standards and best practices.
Download Work safely around Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas utilities flyer
Download Spanish version of Work safely around Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas utilities flyer
Excavation rules to work safely near natural gas lines
Follow two simple rules to help avoid potentially dangerous situations and expensive mistakes:
(In addition to following proper excavating practices)
1. Call or “click” before you dig
To prevent a hazardous situation while digging, contact your local one-call systems at least two business days before you plan to dig.
Representatives will mark utility-owned underground facilities for free within two working days. Locate requests for emergency purposes will be expedited. We may not be the only pipeline operator in an area. To find out which pipeline operators have transmission facilities in an area, visit the National Pipeline Mapping System website.
National Pipeline Mapping System
2. Contact us immediately if contact occurs
Call us immediately if you hit or damage any of our natural gas facilities. Even minor damage can cause major problems. Be sure to contact us immediately if you contact any underground lines.
Peoples Gas: 866-556-6002
North Shore Gas: 866-556-6005
Peoples Gas or North Shore Gas facilities outside of distribution services areas: 800-328-8700
Emergencies
Natural gas will not burn by itself. However, if mixed with the right amount of air, natural gas can ignite. Natural gas is nontoxic, but in an enclosed area, it may displace oxygen in the air, which can lead to suffocation.
Contact us immediately if you are working near a pipeline and:
- Smell strong odor of natural gas (similar to rotten eggs)
- Hear hissing, whistling or roaring sound
- See dirt or debris blowing into the air
Peoples Gas: 866-556-6002
North Shore Gas: 866-556-6005
Peoples Gas or North Shore Gas facilities outside of distribution services areas: 800-328-8700
Facilities safety
Learn what to do for the following facility safety situations.
Natural gas pipeline safety
Natural gas and its underground pipeline distribution system have outstanding safety records. Distribution systems are surveyed regularly, and problems rarely occur. To perform mandated pipeline safety inspections, we must have clear access to the pipeline right of way. Areas on either side of the pipeline must be kept clear of debris, trees, sheds and other structures.
