What to do in a Pipeline Emergency

Your first concern should be for your personal safety and the safety of those around you.

You Should:

• 1. Leave the suspected incident area immediately, walking upwind and uphill (if possible) and staying out of low-lying areas.
• 2. Abandon any equipment being used in or near the area.
• 3. From a safe location, notify Polaris Pipeline Systems at 512-263-9212 or 1-877-712-3109 so the leak can be verified and necessary corrective measures taken; and notify your local fire, police or sheriff’s department or the state police by dialing 911.  Advise them of the location and nature of the emergency.
• 4. Prior to the arrival of law enforcement officials, and from a safe distance, advise others not to enter the area. 

DO NOT

• Do not drive into an area in which you encounter a leak or vapor cloud.
• Do not light a match, start or stop an engine or automobile, use a telephone, or switch on/off an electrical light or appliance.
• Do not attempt to extinguish any fire
• Do not operate any pipeline valves yourself
• Do not use a cell phone or other electronic devices near the suspected emergency area.

Procedures for Public Safety Officials

In the event of a pipeline emergency, take the following action to ensure the safety of the public. 

• Report the incident to Polaris Pipeline Systemsat 512-263-9212 or 1-877-712-3109
• Secure the area around the leak.  This could include evacuating people from homes, businesses, schools and other locations, as well as erecting barricades and controlling access to the emergency site.
• Do no attempt to operate pipeline valves, you may inadvertently route additional product to the leak.
• Call Before You Dig. It’s The Law.

Contractors, Excavators, Farmers and Property Owners:

Statistics indicate that damage to excavation related activities is a leadiing cause of pipeline accidents.  If you are a homeowner, farmer, excavator, or developer, we need your help in preventing pipeline emergencies.

The Plan is Simple

1. Call your state’s One Call Center with at least two working days before excavation is scheduled to begin.  Please note that some states require 72 hours before excavation.  In most areas you can dial the 8-1-1 number which is national “Call Before You Dig” number designated by the FCC.

2. Wait the required amount of time

3. One of our trained technicians will mark the location of the pipeline at no cost to you

4. Respect the line markers

5. Dig with Care

A gouge, scrape, dent or crease to a pipeline or its coating may cause a break or leak in the future.  If you cause what could be considered even minor damage to a pipeline, please contact Polaris Pipeline Systems immediately at 512-263-9212 or 1-877-712-3109.

If you are an excavator in the state of Texas, you need to be aware of the Texas Railroad commission Damage Prevention Rule (Chapter 18) that can be found at www.rrc.state.tx.us/rules/rule.php