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Natural Gas Safety |
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Even though natural gas is a safe and efficient source of energy in your home, there are certain safety issues you should be aware of. Please review this web page for tips on natural gas safety. |
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Pipeline Integrity Management Summary |
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Pipeline integrity management is a process for assessing and mitigating pipeline risks in order to reduce both the likelihood and consequences of incidents. The Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002 is federal legislation that addresses risk analysis and integrity management programs for pipeline operators and directs the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to adopt regulations on integrity management. DOT finalized these regulations in 2004. Natural gas transmission pipeline operators were required to have written programs in place by December 2004, and to complete baseline assessments of pipe in high consequence areas by 2012.
Vectren Energy Delivery has implemented an integrity management program for pipelines in its high consequence areas according to the DOT regulations. It is a systematic, comprehensive process designed to provide information to effectively allocate resources for appropriate prevention, detection and mitigation activities. The program builds on an existing foundation of pipeline safety regulations covering design, construction, testing, operation and maintenance that has been in place for many years.
These are the basic steps in the integrity management process: |
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High consequence area (HCA) identification - Locations along the pipeline system meeting the criteria for High Consequence Areas are identified. Generally, these are high population density areas, difficult to evacuate facilities such as hospitals or schools, and locations where people congregate such as churches, office buildings, prison or playgrounds. |
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Threat identification and risk assessment - Information about the pipeline segments is evaluated to identify threats to the pipe and assess potential risks. An assessment schedule is generated based on potential risks. |
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Integrity assessment - The pipe segments are assessed according to the schedule and methods identified in the Baseline Assessment Plan (BAP). There are three primary assessment methods:
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Inline inspection - an inspection tool (often called a "smart pig") is run internally through the pipeline to evaluate the pipe condition. |
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Pressure test - the pipe is pressured above its normal operating limit to test the strength of the pipe. Water is usually used to pressure the pipe during the test. |
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Direct Assessment - a structured, multi-step evaluation is conducted to identify potential problem areas. Pipe at these locations is excavated, examined and remediated if necessary. |
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Remediation - Potential integrity concerns identified during the integrity assessment are evaluated and actions are taken to eliminate the problems. |
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Preventive and mitigative measures - Along with performing the integrity assessments on pipe segments, the process calls for implementing additional measures to prevent or mitigate potential problems before they occur such as keeping the pipeline rights-of-way clear and installing pipeline marker posts to name a few. |
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Continual evaluation and assessment - A continuing plan to evaluate the integrity of the pipeline after completing the baseline assessment is also part of the process. The ongoing plan includes reviewing updated information about the pipe, analyzing potential risks, and performing reassessments at regular intervals. |
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Safe and reliable service is Vectren’s primary concern. The integrity management program is an important part of Vectren’s efforts toward achieving that goal. |
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What if you smell gas? |
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If you or any member of your family smells gas, LEAVE THE PREMISES IMMEDIATELY. Even though Natural Gas has a very limited range of flammability, you are not equipped to determine whether there has been a dangerous build-up. |
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In its most pure state, Natural Gas has no odor. That's why we add a chemical with a very distinctive odor. In fact, it smells pretty bad (like rotten eggs). Make sure that everyone in your family is aware of this.
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For more information:
Indiana Customers: http://www.safegasindiana.org
Ohio Customers: http://www.safegasohio.org
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Call Before You Dig |
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Planning a home improvement job? Planting a tree? Installing a fence or deck? WAIT!
Here's what you need to know first:
Whether you are planning to do it yourself or hire a professional, smart digging means calling 811 before each job. Simply call 811 at least two full working days in advance to have your utility lines marked at no cost. It's a simple call that can avoid serious accidents.
If you've hit a pipeline or otherwise suspect a leak, residents are reminded of the following:
- Leave the area of the gas leak immediately.
- Call Vectren at 1-800-227-1376 from somewhere other than the location of the gas leak.
- Remain in a safe area until emergency personnel arrive and do not re-enter the premises.
For more information:
Indiana customers:
Indiana Underground Plant Protection Service (IUPPS)
http://www.iupps.org/
Ohio customers:
Ohio Utilities Protection Service (OUPS)
http://www.oups.org/
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Furnace Clean & Check |
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Properly functioning Natural Gas appliances produce no harmful exhaust. One that is dirty, damaged or has an inadequate supply of air for combustion has the potential to create harmful gases like carbon monoxide. This can cause serious health problems and even be fatal. Symptoms from exposure are often the same as those from the flu. They can include headaches, nausea, coughing, dizziness, weakness or similar symptoms. See Carbon Monoxide Safety. |
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Most Natural Gas Heating Dealers have a program that assures a thorough furnace check. These include: |
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check vent pipes for cracks, leaks and sufficient venting |
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inspect internal components for excessive wear or damage and replace or repair as necessary |
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make proper internal adjustments for maximum efficiency |
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clean internal and external areas including the burner chamber, heat exchanger, vents, registers and thermostat |
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check venting for Natural Gas water heater |
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Contact your heating and water heating professional for more information. |
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Carbon Monoxide Safety |
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Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a toxic gas produced by the incomplete burning of different fuels including gasoline, kerosene, wood, coal, propane, natural gas and fuel oil. High concentrations of CO can cause illness and excessive levels can be fatal. |
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If you suspect that someone may be experiencing CO poisoning in your home, call 911 or your local Fire Department immediately! |
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Know the symptoms |
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Breathing CO may include the following flu-like symptoms: |
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headaches |
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nausea |
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fatigue |
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dizziness |
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drowsiness |
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burning eyes |
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irregular breathing |
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confusion |
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disorientation |
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unconsciousness |
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Preventing CO in your home |
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A few simple tips can help keep you and your family safe. |
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Make sure all appliances are properly installed and maintained. |
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Have a heating professional clean and check your heating and venting every year. |
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Between inspections, look for signs of water collecting near a burner or vent. Also check vents, flue pipes and chimneys for corrosion or blockage. |
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Never run a vehicle or fuel-burning equipment in an enclosed place. |
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CO detectors can add an extra measure of safety and can be purchased at most discount and hardware stores. |
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Space Heater Safety |
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To help prevent Carbon Monoxide poisoning and fires from the use of space heaters, adhere to the following tips. |
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Install and use appliances according to the manufacturer's instructions. |
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Never use unvented gas or kerosene heaters in closed spaces, especially sleeping areas. |
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Don't use gas appliances such as an oven, range, or clothes dryer to heat the home. |
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Leave a window cracked about an inch for ventilation and fresh air. Ventilation is important to keep fuel-burning space heaters from consuming too much oxygen in the house. |
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Do not leave a space heater on when you are not in the room or when you go to sleep. |
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Electric space heaters should be checked for signs of fraying or splitting wires or overheating. Likewise, electric space heaters frequently cause fires by overloading electrical outlets. |
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Keep space heaters away from combustible materials/products. |
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Bare Steel / Cast Iron Replacement Program |
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Program overview
The Vectren Pipeline Replacement Program is a 20-year program to replace more than 1,700 miles of aging bare steel and cast iron pipeline infrastructure throughout its service territories in Indiana and Ohio. To ensure the continued safety and reliability of Vectren’s pipeline systems, selected aging pipes are being replaced with plastic pipe.
Objectives
The two major goals of this replacement program are to increase reliability of Vectren’s gas distribution system and to improve public safety and maintenance costs by reducing the number of leaks associated with the aging pipelines that will be replaced.
Compliance
All replacement work will be performed in compliance with Vectren policies and procedures as well as applicable codes and regulations. Vectren strives to maximize safety to the public, employees, and customers throughout the projects.
Process overview
Review phase
Pipeline leak and maintenance histories are reviewed to determine the highest risk segments of pipe. This allows Vectren to prioritize the sections of pipe to be replaced.
Design phase
Replacement pipelines are sized and designed to meet the needs of the community.
Construction phase
Construction begins by documenting site conditions in the job areas and by locating sewers and other infrastructure within the project area.
Gas main and service replacement
The gas main is replaced within the right-of-way, and then the service line serving residential and commercial customers is replaced.
Customer communication
Prior to service replacement, a Vectren representative will contact customers to schedule this portion of the work, which will involve a short service interruption. Additionally, the Vectren representative will need to schedule a time to relight any natural gas appliances.
Restoration
Typically, restoration of yards, sidewalks, and pavement is completed within two weeks of completing a project. Typical yard restoration involves grading, seeding and straw.
Timeline
Times to complete the work vary based on the size of the project, weather, etc. Please be assured that Vectren and its contractors take every effort to complete each project as quickly as possible.
For more information
For more information and Frequently Asked Questions, please click here for a downloadable brochure or call Customer Service at 1-800-227-1376. |
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