JULIE Partnership with White Sox Hits a Home Run

"The one constant through all the years has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It's been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt, and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. This field, this game, it's part of our past. It reminds us of all that once was good, and what could be again. Oh... people will come. People will most definitely come."
--Excerpt of quote from James Earl Jones in Field of Dreams

One August 11, with the Chicago White Sox and Minnesota Twins fighting for first place in the American League Central Division, people "most definitely" came to U.S. Cellular field in Chicago to watch two of the most exciting teams in baseball this season. With more than 35,000 fans in attendance, JULIE's 8-1-1 public service announcements and safe digging messages appeared on the centerfield Video Board and left field Matrix Board.

Prior to the 8/11 Day game, JULIE Executive Director Mark Frost, along with members of the Board of Directors and staff, posed for an on-field photo with Southpaw, the popular mascot for the White Sox, holding a shovel. JULIE staff also distributed eco-friendly flower seed packets and 8-1-1 safe digging information in the centerfield concourse are to fans. Information on the packets encouraged fans to "Play it Safe this Season" and included the JULIE and White Sox logos along with a reminder to call 8-1-1. As part of a national Common Ground Alliance (CGA) initiative, August 11 served as a natural reminder for excavators and the general public to call 8-1-1 prior to digging.

In a statewide survey of Illinois residents who indicated that they had done a recent digging project, more than 60 percent of residents were most likely to watch or attend baseball games on a regular basis as part of their leisure activities (ranked second only to football). With this in mind, during 11 home games in April to coincide with National Safe Digging Month and three additional dates during the season, JULIE's "Call 8-1-1 Before You Dig" message was posted on the centerfield Video and left field Matrix boards at the ballpark.

"As part of an annual process, we review out education and safety campaign and consider all opportunities to reach our target audiences throughout the state of Illinois," said Mark A. Frost, Executive Director of JULIE, Inc. "The White Sox are a first-class organization committed to helping us promote our safety message and we appreciate their commitment to our not-for-profit mission. With a growing national trend of homeowners focusing on outdoor beautification and home improvement projects instead of selling their homes, this strategic partnership provided JULIE with a new platform for our proactive outreach efforts."

Fans joined JULIE and the White Sox for an Earth Day/Weekend Celebration event on April 22-24 and during games on May 6, August 11 and October 1. The White Sox offered specially priced tickets to all JULIE, Inc. employees and friends. More than 800 tickets were purchased by fans through this opportunity.

"Due to these types of creative efforts, our call volume in August increased more than 7 percent compared to the same month last year," Frost continued. "We are very proud of our successful campaign with the White Sox organization and look forward to potentially expanding this partnership next year." In addition, on August 11, more than 63 million visitors came to Web sites where JULIE's "Call 8-11 Before You Dig" message was placed via a JULIE statewide news release. Sites included AOL, Yahoo, Finance, Construction Journal, Earth Times, Daily Herald, Chicago Tribune, PJStar, Quad Cities Online, WAND-TV (Peoria), WGEM-TV (Quincy), WHBF-TV (Quad Cities), WLS-TV (Chicago), WREX-TV (Rockford) and the Rockford Register Star.

Based in Joliet, JULIE, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization committed to promoting the importance of notifying the one-call center and safe-digging practices across Illinois. Since its inception in 1974, JULIE has logged over 22 million calls and its annual call volume of 1 million makes it once of the largest industry one-call systems in the United States. More than 40 percent of notifications are entered online by professional excavators and homeowners through Remote Ticket Entry and E-Request. Currently JULIE has more than 1,780 member. For more information please visit here.

And now back to the game... for those fans that attended the August 11 game, John Danks pitched eight sharp innings and the White Sox beat Minnesota 6-1 to move back into first-place tie with the Twins in the American League Central Division. Go-Go White Sox!


By: Kevin Chmura

Source: Damage Prevention PROfessional (free subscription)

New Common Ground Iowa Video Previews on YouTube

View a 60-second preview of the DVD Common Ground Iowa is currently producing. The project will have eight chapters that cover home-owners, farmers, professional excavators, Iowa One Call and more. Watch for the entire video in Fall 2010. Check it out here.

Source: Damage Prevention PROfessional magazine (free subscription here).

Pipeline Safety Public Awareness and Education

The Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials met in July, 2010, to receive testimony on pipeline safety public awareness and education programs. The hearing is the fourth in a series of hearings that the Subcommittee will conduct on pipeline safety. CGA President, Bob Kipp, provided testimony. The written testimony can be retrieved by clicking the Bob Kipp segment. Visit here.

Source: Damage Prevention PROfessional magazine (free subscription here
).

Protection law on oil pipelines goes into effect October 1, 2010

A new law to ensure safer oil and natural gas pipelines has been approved by China's top legislature at the 15th session of the Standing Committee of the 11th National People's Congress (NPC). According to NPC Standing Committee chairman Wu Bangguo, this law sets out "detailed responsibilities for pipeline companies to ensure the safety of oil and natural gas pipelines". The law, which will take effect on 1 October 2010, is the first of its kind to be implemented in China to protect crucial oil and natural gas infrastructure, requiring construction companies to enact safety measures while constructing pipelines, including the quality of materials, number of inspections and posting of warning signs.

Source: DPP Magazine

NZ Contractors Federation Joins Forces with BeforeUdig

The New Zealand Contractors Federation (NZCF) has joined forces with beforeUdig to "Protect lives, Pipes, & Cables" providing a link to the beforeUdig service from their web site. The NZCF is the national organization representing the civil construction and general contracting industry. (Visit here).

Source: DPP Magazine

One Call Systems (OCS), Inc. announces ceasing operations in October 2010

One Call Systems, Inc (OCS) has been providing underground notification and damage protection services to utility companies nationwide for over 25 years. OCS has been a leader in the Industry. Changes in economic conditions, however, have recently seen increasing difficulties in providing the hight quality service customers have come to expect. Consequently, closing the business in October, 2010 proved to be the most viable option available. "We would like to thank all of our customers for their loyal support. We also want to express our gratitude to our employees for the many years of outstanding performance and excellent customer service," said Michael T McNamara, CEO and Gary Craig, vice president.

Source: Damage Prevention PROfessional magazine Fall 2010 (Free subscription here).

CGA Wins Prestigious Telly Award for 811 Campaign Support Materials

Summer 2010

The Telly Awards honor our very best local, regional cable television commercials and programs, as well as the finest video and film productions, and work created for the Web. Since 1978, our mission has been to strengthen the visual arts community by inspiring, promoting, and supporting creativity. The 30th Annual Telly Awards received over 13,000 entries from all 50 states and five continents. Awards that were presented to the CGA were: The 811 Children's Pirate Video - Bronze Telly in the category of Safety The 811 PSA - Silver Telly in the category of Public Service Category
"Congratulations to the Video Task Team Co-Chairs and Task Team as well as to the entire Education MM&C Committee for these prestigious achievements,"stated Bob Kipp, CGA President. "These national awards recognize excellence in education and promotion of the 811 message," he added.
The Committee: Tracey Bryant, Vectren Energy Delivery (co-chair); Dan Mascka, Northern Natural Gas (co-chair); Ron Gray, Williams Gas Pipeline; Meghan Chestnutt, Georgia811; Claude Campbell, Georgia811; Jim Holtzer, One Call Concepts; Scott Landes, Rhino/Infrastructure Resources; Patti Lama, Portland General Electric; Barb Hugg, Julie, Inc.; Eben Wyman, NUCA; Chris Stockton, Williams Gas Pipeline; Dan Meiners, Underground Safety Alliance; Erika Lee, CGA; Khrysanne Kerr, CGA; Sam Hall, PHMSA; Annmarie Robertson, PHMSA.

To view the PSA, click here.
To view the 811 Pirate Video for children, click here.

NYSE Closing Bell Features 811

August 24, 2010 - Moline, IL

Representatives from John Deere Construction & Forestry, the Common Ground Alliance (CGA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) rang the ceremonial closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange on Friday, August 20, to promote awareness of underground utilities through the use of the national 811 call-before-you-dig phone number. Though awareness and use of 811 has significantly decreased the number of underground utility strikes in the U.S., the fact that there are still fatalities and damages hitting gas and utility lines underscores the need for a continued safety campaign.

"It's not enough that the number of strikes has decreased in each of the last five years, because even one strike is too many," said Bob Kipp, president of the CGA. In 2004, it was estimated that there were 450,000 instances of damage from striking underground lines. However, as a result of the work of CGA and its many supporters, that number has decreased by over 60 percent to 170,00 damage in 2009.

"Through our support of CGA and 811, we strengthen our commitment to our customers. Our customers are out first focus and this initiative saves lives," said Michael Mack, worldwide president, John Deere Construction & Forestry. "Beyond personal safety concerns, the potential property damage, inconvenient service outages and the hefty fines to equipment operators resulting from digging accidents makes the 811 service incredibly valuable." To further encourage safe digging, John Deere is also sharing portions of safety videos on YouTube beginning next month. The first video, featuring excavators, will be posted at http://www.YouTube.com/JohnDeere

Source: Damage Prevention PROfessional magazine- free subscription here.

Northeast Gas Association Damage Prevention Workshop

Register for the NGA Workshop here.

Public Awareness Manager Patent

August 9, 2010 - Overland Park, KS

Celeritas is excited to announce that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has examined and formally issued a notice of allowance as a patent the invention known as the Public Awareness Manager.


"We're thrilled the USPTO has reached this conclusion and the PAM patent will serve as a tremendous asset and benefit to Celeritas customers for a long time," commented Brett Lester, Celeritas president. "Additionally, the patent will allow Celeritas to protect its intellectual property and expand on its web-based geographic information systems that support the energy marketplace."

The Public Awareness Manager was originally put into production back in 2003. Over 500 pipeline companies and thousands of individual users access the system from all across the country in support of energy related regulatory and compliance activities. The PAM now acts as the centerpiece for a number of complimentary GIS systems that support energy companies compliance activities dealing in large part with RP 1162 and CFR 49 parts 192 and 195.

Celeritas is especially happy that despite a recent legal decision that went against the company, the USPTO sided with Celeritas in acknowledging its invention and awarding this patent.

Source: Damage Prevention PROfessional- Fall 2010

New goal-based safety regulations will affect all stakeholders in Canada

September 2010

The National Energy Board (the NEB or "the Board") regulates more than 40,000 kilometers of pipelines throughout Canada under the authority provided to it within the National Energy Board Act. These pipelines operate continuously and safely delivering energy to satisfy the needs of Canadians and export markets.

Pipelines are often invisible. After their initial construction, all that may be left to indicate their presence are signs at fence lines and road crossings or clearings along the pipeline right of way. The NEV believes that the safety and integrity of Canada's pipelines depend on public awareness and industry involvement. Activities which occur near pipelines and which have the potential to damage pipelines regulated by the Board in the public interest. Currently, these activities are governed by the National Energy Board Pipeline Crossing Regulations.

The National Energy Board Damage Prevention Regulations were released in the Canada Gazette in mid-August with a 30 day comment period which ended on September 13, 2010. These regulations are goal-based and are a significant departure from the existing and prescriptive Pipeline Crossing Regulations, Part l and Part ll which have been in place since 1988.

The change in regulation will affect all stakeholders of buried utilities in Canada from owners and operatirs of federally-regulated pipeline systems to the digging community and landowners. If you fall into one of these NEB websites at http://www.neb-one.gc.ca.

Source: Damage Prevention PROfessional Fall 2010

GPR & RT accuracy?

How accurate are GPR & RT technology in determining depth or 'z' coordinates?

The article 'Determining what lies beneath the ground is essential in avoiding damage incidents,' from the Damage Prevention PROfessional- Fall 2010 issue raised valid questions and feedback. Here is a blurb from the article but you can also read more here. 

"When nonmetallic facilities are involved, a number of options are available including acoustical locators, ground penetrating radar (GPR) and radar tomography (RT). Combining these technologies with geographic positioning systems (GPS) will allow most underground utilities to be located, providing X and Y coordinates. Vacuum excavation is then utilized to provide exact X, Y and Z coordinates."


What are your thoughts on GPR & RT technologies in locating depth? 

It's the law!

Last month we were shaken by the tragic San Bruno gas line explosion.  It rattled our nation raising suspicions that our pipelines are aging and corroding.  I address this a bit in my recent blog,Gas line explosion triggers nationwide pipeline regulation, which reveals new regulations may soon impact pipeline inspections.  While pipeline corrosion is currently under serious scrutiny, the single greatest cause of gas pipeline accidents is not corrosion related.  According to the Office of Pipeline Safety, the leading origin of pipeline accidents is digging by third party excavators.  In fact, in June this year two back-to-back explosions occurred when contractors excavated near pipelines in Texas, resulting in many injuries and three deaths.  Many years ago, Congress passed the national “Call Before You Dig” or “One –Call” program, also known as 811.  Its message started to take off in 2007 when CGA (Common Ground Alliance) launched a national program, however public awareness of the program still needs to be augmented.  For this reason, I’vedevoted our October and November newsletters to explore Damage Prevention.  Helping to increase awareness of the “One-Call” program seems like a good place to begin.  How does the 811 program work?  Read more in Call 811 before digging – it’s the law! This month, we’re showcasing two companies which specialize in damage prevention.  We’re thrilled to announce that we now offer Rhino line markers and products.  We’re also featuring Sensit gas leak detection equipment which offers state-of-the art instrumentation.  Of course visit our website to view our other fine manufacturers and products or view/print our product line. Source: LincEnergy e-newsletter

Acquisition Positions Caterpillar to Deliver Subsurface Imaging and Mapping Services

Summer 2010

Caterpillar Inc. has acquired all assets of Underground Imaging Technologies, Inc. (UTI) through its majority owned affiliate. Underground Imaging Technologies LCC. UIT is advanced geophysical services company and technology developer based in Latham, N.Y. The acquisition will give Caterpillar the capability to provide geophysical services, specializing in providing three-dimensional representations of underground utilities and other targets.

"UIT's geophysical expertise and advanced technologies will add dynamic new subsurface infrastructure capabilities to our Connected Worksite offerings," said Hans Haefeli, vice president with responsibility for the Caterpillar Advanced Systems Division. "But most important, this service provides detailed information that enables design engineers and contractors to proceed on underground projects with a clearer picture of the subsurface environment, contributing to both project cost savings and increased safety on the worksite."

"The use of advanced near-surface geophysical tools provides highly accurate three-dimensional images and digital maps of subsurface utilities and unknown objects," said Mark R. Wallbom, VEO of UIT. "Our portfolio of proprietary software and geophysical means and methods has high proprietary software and geophysical means and methods has high value for both design and construction projects. Identifying underground impediments- before design and construction begin- speeds the work, saves money and enhances safety. The technology also has potential applications in road building quality control, site evaluation, environmental surveys, and mapping geologic layers for mining applications."



Read more Damage Prevention News from the Damage Prevention Professional magazine (print or on-line) by signing up for a FREE SUBSCRIPTION.

"It Only Takes a Second"

"Hopping into an unprotected trench to clear some debris only takes a second. Cutting a small section of steel without safety glasses only takes a second. Jumping into the car and not buckling up to run to the store only takes a second. We take shortcuts everyday without giving them a second thought, but a single, absent-minded decision that lets convenience overshadow safety can change your entire life in a second. Eric Giguere learned that lesson the hard way when a trench collapse buried him under 6 ft of dirt.

Eric Giguere

“From where it fell and how it hit me, it was like getting hit by a truck going 70 mph. I was buried under 2,000 lbs of dirt and it took them 10 minutes to get me out,” Eric says. “One second changed my whole life. I live it everyday. Everywhere I go; everything I do, it’s with me. And if it happened to me, it can happen to anyone.”
When Eric talks about his accident, his voice doesn’t flinch, it doesn’t waver and it doesn’t hold back. For most people, talking about an experience that nearly killed them would be painful, but Eric’s philosophy is if he learns something and doesn’t share it, then it did him no good to learn it. Eric started his company, Safety Awareness Solutions, as a way to give safety a down-to-earth voice and put it on a personal level to which people can relate.
“I’m not reading from a manual and I’m not taking the company’s side. I’m just putting it out there,” he says. “I know what you’re doing because I was in the business. I’ve been that worker, I’ve sat through those safety meetings and I know what you’re thinking right now, but don’t be that way because that was me and this is what can happen to you.”
Almost eight years after his accident, Eric travels the country talking to anyone who will listen — from Fortune 500 manufacturing companies and engineering firms to colleges and construction companies — in hopes of touching hearts and changing minds to stop people from making a bad decision that will change their lives forever."

-Jason Morgan

Continue reading this article from Utility Contractor magazine's September 2010 issue here.


Do you take that extra second to make safety a priority to you?

Fire Prevention Month and Call 811 Before You Dig – A Good Match!

Fire safety needs to be practiced year-round, but the month of October has special meaning for fire safety officials because October is Fire Prevention Month. It’s a time when education and awareness about fire safety are promoted through special events in fire stations, schools, senior centers, places of worship and other locations where community members gather, with the goal of preventing fires and their tragic impacts.

Originally just limited to one week in October (and known as Fire Prevention Week), Fire Prevention Month is the longest-running public health and safety observance on record in the United States. Officially practiced in one form or another since 1922, it was initiated by fire prevention officials as a positive way to memorialize the Great Chicago Fire, which – on October 8-9, 1871 – claimed more than

250 lives, left 100,000 people homeless and destroyed more than 17,400 structures. Over the years, themes have been designated as a focus for educational messages ranging from the very general (“Help Stop Fire”) to the more specific (“Use Candles With Care”). Today, during the course of Fire Prevention Month, the fire service, teachers and the media seek out a variety of safety messages and materials to

disseminate.

The National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM) encourages Common Ground Alliance Members to work with their local fire departments, community groups and media to include the 811 message as part of their Fire Prevention Month activities. “The 811 Call Before You Dig message is

entirely consistent with the safety messages we traditionally promote during Fire Prevention Month,”

says Georgia State Fire Marshal Alan Shuman, President of NASFM. He adds, “When people learn

how they can prevent deaths, injuries and other problems when they dig in their yards, they save the fire department from having to respond to an incident involving damaged underground utility lines. So, a call to 811 can prevent a call to 911.” To learn more about how you can participate in Fire Prevention Month with 811 campaign materials, call your local fire department.

Read more CGA articles from the monthly newsletter here.