Pipeline Safety
Pipeline Emergencies Free Call 1800 625 665
Dial Before You Dig 1100
24 HOURS A DAY EVERY DAY
Epic Energy is proactive in ensuring that people who live or work near our transmission pipelines are able to recognise a potential problem on a pipeline easement, are aware of the potential dangers of digging near a pipeline and know what to do in an emergency situation.
Although pipelines are one of the safest forms of transporting fuel such as natural gas and liquid hydrocarbons, damage to a pipeline which causes the gas or liquid to escape can be highly dangerous.
Dial Before You Dig - Pipeline Location Service
The biggest danger to our underground pipelines is accidental damage by people who dig or construct on or near the pipeline easement.
Pipeline easements have warning signs at regular intervals along the route, however these signs do not mark the exact location of the buried pipe. If you are planning to dig or excavate in the area you must first contact Epic Energy.
Epic Energy will arrange for a representative to visit a planned work site to determine the exact location and depth of the pipe. We will then advise you or your contractors of the precautions required to ensure your safety and to prevent pipeline damage while the work is being carried out.
You should contact Epic Energy if you plan any of these activities near any of our pipeline easements:
- Grading
- Digging
- Drilling
- Trenching
- Construction - development, housing, roadworks (temporary and access ways) etc.
- Drainage work
- Use of explosives
- Land leveling or contouring
- Transportation heavy loads
- Use of vibrating machinery
Do's and Don'ts Near An Underground Pipeline
- Do contact Epic Energy if you plan to dig, drill, excavate or bore on the pipeline easement
- Do closely supervise any work done on your property
- Do report any soil erosion of the pipeline easement
- Do report any unauthorised activity on or near the pipeline easement
- Don't trench, dig, drill or bore anywhere on the pipeline easement before contacting Epic Energy
- Don't construct any building, shed or structure on the easement
- Don't plant large trees or dense shrubbery or impound water on the easement
How to Identify Pipeline Leaks
Despite all precautions, leaks may occur in pipeline systems. Any of the following events along the pipeline easement could indicate a pipeline leak.
- A hissing or roaring sound
- Any unusual odour near the pipeline
- Dead or discoloured vegetation in an otherwise green location
- Fire
What to do in an Emergency
If you know or suspect a pipeline is leaking or damaged:
- Your safety is your first priority
- Leave the area immediately
- Avoid creating sparks - do not use vehicles, mobile phones and cameras, cigarettes, matches or lighters that ignite the gas.
- Immediately notify the pipeline controller on the Pipeline Emergency freecall number. Give your name, telephone number, and a description of the leak and its location.
