Safety Recommendations
As your natural gas provider, Shelby Gas Association, in accordance with federal regulations, wishes to make you aware of certain safety recommendations regarding your underground natural gas piping.
Shelby Gas Association operates our gas system with an emphasis on safety. We are required to design, operate and maintain our underground natural gas pipeline in accordance with prescribed federal safety standards. Shelby Gas Association does not maintain the gas piping that is customer owned, after our meter and regulator. These lines feeding a structure or a gas burning appliance are the responsibility of the customer who owns that piping. If the buried pipe is not properly maintained, it may be subject to corrosion (if the piping is metallic) and/or leakage.
To ensure the continued safe and reliable operation of these lines, the buried piping should be leak checked periodically. When excavating, the piping should be located in advance, and any excavation of the pipeline should be done by hand. You (or the building owner) are advised to contract a licensed plumber or heating contractor to assist you in locating and inspecting your buried gas piping. If any unsafe condition is discovered, repairs should be made ASAP.
If we can answer any questions regarding this notice, please give us a call at 406-434-5575. Please disregard this notice if you do not have or no longer have buried piping beyond the gas meter.
Awareness of Hazards and Prevention Measures
If you come in contact with a natural gas pipeline leaking or suspect a pipeline leak, take the following steps
Leave the area immediately
Move to a safe location and then call Shelby Gas Association 406-435-5575 or call 911
Abandon any equipment being used in or near the suspected leak
Warn others to stay away when possible
Leak Recognition "Learn the warning signs of a natural gas pipeline leak"
A rotten egg smell
Dirt spraying in the air
A hissing sound
Bubbling in a pond, creek or river
Dead or dying vegetation
Leak Response "What to do when a leak occurs"
Do NOT light a match, start an engine, use a telephone or cell phone, turn on or off light switches, or anything that may cause a spark
Do NOT attempt to extinguish a natural gas fire
Do NOT attempt to operate pipeline equipment
Call 911
