Pipeline Safety & Reliability

The natural gas delivery system is the safest and most reliable energy delivery system in the United States, according to federal government statistics. It has become a model for the world. According to the American Gas Association, safety incidents throughout the countrys distribution system have decreased 38 percent over the past ten years, while the amount of natural gas delivered has increased by 25 percent.

Hazard Awareness & Prevention Measures

Integral to the natural gas systems safety record is the general publics knowledge about pipeline damage prevention, potential hazard awareness, and prompt leak recognition and response.

26,000 customer calls concerning natural gas leaks. In 2003, 00.0 percent of 25,900 calls were responded to in less than one hour.

Pipeline Location
Aboveground yellow markers, either on upright poles or round adhesive markers on roadways, indicate the location of interstate and PECO Energy natural gas transmission pipelines.

Recognizing a Leak
A natural gas leak can be detected in several ways, according to its severity. A small leak is usually recognized by the smell of the odorant in the gas. Water bubbling or soil being blown in the air can indicate a more severe leak. A break in a large gas line usually results in a hissing or roaring noise as the natural gas, under high pressure, escapes.

Preventing damage to pipelines is the best way to ensure the safety of the natural gas delivery system. Almost twoPECO Energy takes great care to assure the thirds of all natural gas hazardous safety of its natural gas distribution and incidents are caused by digging and service lines. Its service territory is routinely trenching. Therefore, state law requires that patrolled using gas-sniffing devices to PA One Call (800-242-1776) be notified at detect any leaks, no matter how small. least three working days before anyone Through the Dig Safe program, the including contractors and homeownersdigs company regularly works and anywherein backyards, along streets or in communicates with area contractors vacant fields. PA One Call notifies PECO Energy concerning damage prevention to and other utility companies to mark underground natural gas pipeline during natural gas and utility lines, preventing any damage construction activity. PECO caused by digging. The PECO service is free for Energys Fire Academy residential customers. annually trains some 300 area Leak recognition and reporting also play a critical role in professional and volunteer safety. Natural gas has no distinct smell, so an odorant is fireman on preventing and added so that any leak can be easily detected. Anyone extinguishing natural gas smelling or suspecting a leak should call PECO Energy at fires. 800-841-4141 immediately. If a major natural gas leak is Transmission pipeline evident, local emergency authorities should also be notified by failures are rare. Lines calling 911. are designed, installed, Proper response to a leak is vital. If a leak is detected in any tested, operated and occupied building, the structure should be evacuated maintained according to immediately. Emergency call should be make OUTSIDE the strict standards set by building. During the evacuation DO NOT: pipeline companies, the natural gas industry and Turn on or off any electric devices the federal government. Use telephone, mobile phones, radios, doorbells or flashlights Together, gas utility and pipeline companies spend Smoke, strike a match, or use a lighter $7 billion annually to ensure natural gas is delivered safely Start any motor vehicle in or close to the building and reliably. PECO Energy annually responds to approximately

The markers were developed by the natural gas industry and later incorporated into federal law. Line markers, also known as right-of-way markers, are placed at public road crossings, except in urban areas. Pipeline rights-of-way vary in width, with restrictions on construction activities. Additional information on transmission pipeline location may be obtained through the Website of the National Pipeline Marking System: www.npms.rspa.dot.gov. Almost all of PECO Energys underground natural gas distribution lines run along public rights-ofwaystreets, curbs and sidewalks. In rare occasions, some cross private property. Service lines generally run under lawns from a main in the right-ofway into homes. Because of these lines, the law requires residents and contractors to notify PA One Call at 800-242-1776 before digging in a yard.

Pipeline Purpose
There are 1.4 millions miles of natural gas transmission and distribution pipeline in the United States serving 64 million natural gas customers. PECO Energy operates 31 miles of transmission pipeline and 6,300 miles of distribution pipeline serving homes and businesses throughout Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties. Transmission pipelines transports natural gas across the country and consists of large steel pipes, generally 20 to 42 inches in diameter. Distribution pipelines, or mains, range from 2 to 25 inches and deliver natural gas to customers homes. In PECO Energys service territory, natural gas is taken from the transmission system through 25 gates stations, where the pressure is reduced and an odorant is added so any leaks can be quickly recognized and repaired.

Resources
A variety of resources are available for additional information on natural gas pipeline safety: PECO: (800) 841-4000 www.pecosafety.com PA One Call: (800) 242-1776 www.paonecall.com American Gas Association: www.aga.com DOT Dig Safely: http://ops.dot.gov/damage.htm National Pipeline Mapping System: www.npms.rspa.dot.gov Occupational Safety & Health Administration: www.osha.gov

Natural Gas Pipeline Safety

Introduction
No One Gets Hurt. That is PECO Energys safety vision, and it applies to employees, contractors, customers and anyone who lives and works around natural gas lines. This brochure is a key piece of PECO Energys natural gas pipeline safety public awareness program. The program is designed to educate customers, area residents and public officials on the many aspects of natural gas transmission and distribution.