This Construction Safety Week, Gas Networks Ireland is reminding contractors to put safety first and always ‘Dial Before You Dig’. Digging into natural gas pipelines can cause major disruption, serious injury and even death.

Gas Networks Ireland is urging contractors to check the location of the underground gas pipelines before beginning any work. Natural gas pipelines provide essential energy to hospitals, schools, homes and businesses 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

Maps locating the gas pipeline network can be accessed instantly on Gas Network Ireland’s online ‘Dial Before You Dig’ mapping service at www.gasnetworks.ie/dbyd/. This online service makes it easier than ever to check whether there are underground gas pipes on a site before any ground-breaking work commences, helping to ensure a safe dig.

Last year, there were 650 incidents of damage to the low and medium pressure gas distribution networks, mostly in urban and suburban locations. Whilst, this year, the Covid-19 lockdown led to a slowdown in incidents, they have begun increasing again as the construction industry has resumed work.

Construction Safety Week, which takes place from 19th to 23rd of October 2020, is an opportunity to reflect on all aspects of safety, health and overall wellbeing.

As part of the Safety Week, Gas Networks Ireland and ESB Networks will co-host a joint webinar for Construction Industry Federation (CIF) members on Friday 23rd October. The webinar aims to help construction companies prevent incidents and be able to react when incidents do occur with a particular focus on gas pipes and electric cables.

Owen Wilson, Networks Safety Manager with Gas Networks Ireland, said: “Damaging natural gas pipelines can cause major disruption, serious injury and even death. Gas Networks Ireland’s Dial Before You Dig service provides information, advice and maps on the gas pipeline network. All responsible contractors will want to ensure that they are operating a safe site and obtaining maps of underground services is a critical step when planning any excavation. Apart from safety concerns, pipeline damage can also result in unwanted disruption and costs for contractors.”

Gas Networks Ireland’s free Dial Before You Dig service provides information, advice and maps on the gas pipeline network. Before starting any excavation work, it is essential to check for the location of gas pipes by calling 1850 42 77 47 or emailing dig@gasnetworks.ie