Safety
Natural gas is one of the safest and most reliable fuels available. Like all energy forms,
it must be used properly.
Natural gas is lighter than air and will dissipate into the atmosphere unless confined. It
has a higher combustion temperature than other fuels. Combustion cannot occur unless a narrow range
of fuel-to-air mixture is present. Find out what
to do if you
smell natural gas.
The most common way to detect a natural gas leak is by smell. The use of a gas detector is an additional and/or alternative safety measure for detecting a natural gas leak and SaskEnergy, as part of our safety program, is currently offering a
$25 rebate. Find out what to do
if you think there is a natural gas leak.
For safe, efficient use of natural gas
in your home, it is important that you respect natural
gas, know how to use it properly and follow
manufacturers directions for using and taking care of
natural gas appliances. By properly caring for your
appliances, you'll help ensure safe and effective
operation.
Safety is the first priority of
SaskEnergy. Our System
Integrity Management Program takes steps to ensure
our natural gas systems are well protected.
 Call
before you dig to ensure your safety and the safety
of everyone around you by having your natural gas line
located.
If you suspect a natural gas line has been damaged, call SaskEnergy's 24-Hour Emergency # 1-888-700-0427 and 911. Any gas line damage,
no matter how minor must be reported to SaskEnergy. Find out what you need to know before you dig or if you hit a line.
Natural Gas Line and Meter Safety
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Natural Gas Line and Meter Safety
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SaskEnergy owns and maintains the natural gas piping, up to and including the meter at your home.
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Your safety is our concern. To ensure your meter remains accurate, accessible
and safe please follow these safety guidelines for your natural gas meter:
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Do not enclose your meter, regulator or shut-off valve in any way – keep them visible and accessible for service.
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Do not tie pets or chain objects such as barbecues or bicycles to your meter or natural gas lines.
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When digging around your meter, dig by hand. Remember, if you damage any of the equipment you may be responsible for the cost of repairs.
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Keep the area clear of plants and landscaping.
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Winter Safety Tips
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Keep the meter, regulator and shut-off valve free of
snow and ice.
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Remove any built-up snow by hand until the regulator
and shut off valve are clear. If you have any concerns
about possibly damaging the natural gas meter and
regulator, please contact SaskEnergy at 1-888-7000-GAS (1-888-700-0427) to have the ice removed
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Never hit or kick the meter to break the ice or remove
the snow build-up.
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Don’t use a snow-plow or snow-blower near your meter.
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Assist meter readers by clearing a path in the snow
to your natural gas meter.
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Gas Safety Before, During and After a Flood
Before a Flood:
If you suspect any natural gas appliances might become submerged from flood water or sewer back-up.
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Hire a licensed gas contractor to “shut off” the gas at the appliance gas supply valve to all potentially affected natural gas appliances.
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Relocate them to safe / dry location by raising them above potential water levels or to upper floors or other suitable storage areas.
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Have your contractor cap and properly seal the gas pipe ends (appliance gas supply line) to all affected appliances to prevent water from entering the piping system.
Shut off the electrical supply to all natural gas appliances at the appliance switch or at the electrical breaker panel.
Caution - water and electricity presents a serious safety risk.
Never stand in water or damp locations when disconnecting or operating any electrical devices,
switches or appliance connections ... visit SaskPower for additional electrical safety information.
Call Sask 1st Call at 1-866-828-4888 before you dig. With just one phone call Sask 1st Call issues a line locate request notification to subscriber companies to ensure their underground facilities in the dig area are clearly marked.
During a Flood:
If you have not had time to prepare your building or appliances or need to evacuate you should shut off the building gas supply on the SaskEnergy natural gas supply valve located outside where gas enters the building.
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Follow instructions on the diagram how to safely shut off your meter.
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Call SaskEnergy at 1-888-700-0427 if you are unable to shut off your gas service and water is entering your basement.
Visit SaskPower for additional electrical safety information and what to do when your building is flooded.
Never use appliances (i.e. gas ranges) as temporary heating that are not certified for indoor heating, as they can create carbon monoxide poisoning.
After a Flood:
Never attempt to relight a gas appliance if it has been submerged in water. Call a licensed gas contractor. Furnaces, water heaters and other gas appliances exposed to flood water can create fire, explosion and carbon monoxide hazards.
Caution: Never attempt to put natural gas appliances back into service yourself.
If appliances need to be replaced or serviced, a permit must be issued and the work must be done by a licensed gas contractor.
Have a licensed gas contractor make the necessary correction(s) as required by the SaskPower Emergency Procedures Guideline and the B149.1-10 Natural Gas and Propane Code
(SaskPower Emergency Procedures Guideline are available at SaskPower).
If your gas was turned off as a safety precaution but you didn’t experience flooding, contact a SaskPower gas inspector at
1-888-757-6937 (option 5) to ensure it is safe to restore your gas service without a gas contractor or permit.
If you find one of the following during or after flooding, please contact SaskEnergy at 1-888-700-0427 for advice or a SaskEnergy inspection.
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Your meter has been submerged or covered with water.
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SaskEnergy may have turned off and locked your gas service as a precautionary safety service – A notice to call SaskEnergy would be left on your door (tag) or in the mailbox.
Caution: If you smell natural gas or there is evidence of a gas leaking, leave the building and do not enter and call our 24 hour Emergency Line at
1-888-700-0427.
How to safely relight your natural gas furnace and water heater
The following two videos demonstrate how to safely relight your natural gas furnace and water heater.
Your natural gas appliance may also have an instruction plate or label on how to relight the appliance. Carefully
follow the instructions provided.
How to relight a natural gas furnace
How to relight a natural gas water heater
Please contact SaskEnergy at 1-888-700-0427 or your local plumbing and heating
contractor if you have any questions or require assistance.
How to safely reset your natural gas regulator
To restore service to your home after an interruption in the natural gas supply, you may need to reset
your regulator. The regulator is found next to your natural gas meter. The following video provides you instructions
on how to safely reset your regulator.
How to reset a natural gas regulator
Please contact SaskEnergy at 1-888-700-0427 or your local plumbing and heating contractor
if you have any questions or require assistance.
QUESTIONS OR PROBLEMS?
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CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE |
1-800-567-8899 |
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24 HOUR EMERGENCY NUMBER |
1-888-700-0427 |
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LINE LOCATES (Sask 1st Call) |
1-866-828-4888 |
Theft of natural gas and tampering with SaskEnergy equipment can create a safety hazard for the offender and the offender's neighbors. It is an offence under The SaskEnergy Act and the Criminal Code. Theft of gas affects SaskEnergy rates for paying customers. Report theft of gas by contacting Customer Service.
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