FortisBC is urging contractors and residents to call before they dig.
In 2023, the utility had 844 instances of damage to underground gas lines, with nearly 70 per cent the result of work performed without contacting BC 1 Call before digging.
April is Safe Digging Month and FortisBC and BC 1 Call are asking residents and contractors to click or call BC 1 Call before they dig, excavate or disturb the ground before spring garden work.
Knowing the location of underground gas lines reduces the risk of personal injury, avoids interrupting essential services and prevents costly repairs. Nearly 75 per cent of damages to gas lines across the province are caused by contractors.
“It is very promising to see our damage incidents decreasing by about 10 per cent year over year since 2020,” said Tanya Kowalenko, program manager, of public safety, FortisBC. “However, even one incident is one too many.
Approximately 90 per cent of damages to gas lines are preventable by following safe excavation practices, Kowalenko added.
Call Before You Dig is a free service offered to the public and contractors and is available on the BC 1 Call website or by calling 1-800-474-6886. BC 1 Call members will respond within three business days.
“Though the number of registered BC 1 Call users continues to climb each year, there are many contractors, landscapers, and homeowners who still aren’t aware of safe digging practices, which is why we are continuing to see damage,” said Chris Hyland, president and CEO of BC 1 Call.
For more information on safe digging practices visit the FortisBC or BC 1 Call websites.