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.
Of the 2023 recorded damage incidents, the Thompson Okanagan region had the second-highest line strikes with 183, behind Metro Vancouver at 327.
Kelowna had the third highest strikes among municipalities with 41, behind Vancouver with 58, and Surrey with 64.
Nearly 75 per cent of damages to gas lines across the province are caused by contractors.
香蕉视频直播淚t is very promising to see our damage incidents decreasing by about 10 per cent year over year since 2020,香蕉视频直播� said Tanya Kowalenko, program manager, of public safety, FortisBC. 香蕉视频直播淗owever, 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 or by calling 1-800-474-6886. BC 1 Call members will respond within three business days.
香蕉视频直播淭hough the number of registered BC 1 Call users continues to climb each year, there are many contractors, landscapers, and homeowners who still aren香蕉视频直播檛 aware of safe digging practices, which is why we are continuing to see damage,香蕉视频直播� said Chris Hyland, president and CEO of BC 1 Call.
For more information on safe digging practices visit the or websites.
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