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Safe digging requirements include hand digging to expose buried utility lines before digging with powered excavation equipment. (CNW Group/FortisBC Energy Inc.)
Contractor engagement in damage prevention training is creating a significant decline in gas line strikes in British Columbia, reports FortisBC. The utility is celebrating a safety milestone, sharing that gas line damages were at their lowest level in more than 20 years in 2024. A total of 779 incidents were reported, continuing a downward trend that reflects the effectiveness of ongoing efforts to promote safe digging practices.
FortisBC attributes the achievement to the growing use of BC 1 Call, a free service that helps prevent damage to underground utilities before digging begins. With a record of nearly 170,000 BC 1 Call tickets processed in 2024, the company says the surge in use demonstrates heightened awareness of the importance of checking for buried utilities before disturbing the ground.
“The strong correlation between increased BC 1 Call usage and the decline in gas line damages is clear,” said Ada Nadison, program manager, public safety at FortisBC. “While this progress is encouraging, we know there’s still work to be done, particularly in Metro Vancouver. We continue to prioritize safety and raise awareness about the importance of calling or clicking before digging.”
When a gas line is damaged, it can pose serious safety risks, cause service interruptions and lead to costly repairs. FortisBC works year-round to provide training and support to contractors, landscapers and municipalities to ensure they understand safe excavation practices. In 2024 alone, the company conducted more than 30 safety training sessions across the province, engaging directly with contractors to further promote safe digging practices.
“We’ve seen fantastic engagement from contractors at our training sessions,” said Nadison. “These proactive measures are helping to keep damage incidents low. It’s encouraging to see such strong participation, and we remain committed to providing more training and support across the province.”
When ground is to be broken, FortisBC advises that companies call BC 1 Call or reach out to the website at least three business days before digging to get free information on buried utility lines. The website is www.bc1c.ca, and the phone number is 1-800-474-6886.
Furthermore, the utility says hand tools should be used to expose gas lines before using any mechanical equipment where there is risk of contact, and a minimum safety zone of one metre is required around the gas line.
“Everyone across B.C. needs to hear this message. Just like clicking your seatbelt before you drive, no one should dig before clicking BC 1 Call,” stated BC 1 Call president Donna Grant. “It’s the critical first step in any project that disturbs the ground. Whether you’re putting a fencepost in your yard or breaking ground for new construction, click or call before you dig.”