Excavation Safety

Feds increased, but state cut gas-safety funding

2011-02-28T08:08:00.000-08:00

Gas utility assessments cover pipeline inspections, but is funding enough to protect the public?

February 26, 2011|By Tim Darragh and Scott Kraus, OF THE MORNING CALL

KEVIN MINGORA, THE MORNING CALL

Fatal gas pipeline explosions in Allentown and Philadelphia this year are casting light on whether the nation's pipeline-inspection system, funded by state and federal assessments on gas utilities, is adequate to keep the public safe.

Pipeline safety became an increasing federal responsibility in recent years, after a deadly 1999 blast in Bellingham, Wash. Since then, Congress created a new federal agency to oversee pipeline safety and Washington has promised more money to states.

But as Washington shouldered more of the cost, assessing more fees on utilities to cover safety inspections, Pennsylvania cut back on its financial demands on utilities. So even as federal funding for safety inspections in Pennsylvania doubled between 2006 and 2010, the state cut its share by 30 percent.

Despite that cut, and thanks to the federal government's bolstering of safety-inspection funding, the total budget for inspections in Pennsylvania has grown about 4 percent a year since 2006.

SOURCE: The Morning Call

Assisting Stakeholders in Damage Reduction

2010-12-30T11:44:00.000-08:00

Date: March 9, 2011 (Wednesday)

Time: 3:00 pm

Presenter: Louis Panzer, Public Services Manager , Arizona Blue Stakes, Inc.

Presenter: Kevin Hopper , Operations Manager , Dig Safely New York

Session Description

Panel Discussion

Every stakeholder has something to offer and something to gain by supporting education. Often one hand doesn’t know what the other is doing even within states. This session will cover ways to engage stakeholders through damage reporting, consolidated efforts, low cost education and the benefits obtained through the sharing of information.

Read more about sessions & register HERE for the annual CGA Excavation Safety Conference!

CCGA- Canadian Common Ground Alliance

2010-12-21T12:50:00.000-08:00

Check out the NEW Canadian Common Ground Alliance website- now live!

"The Canadian Common Ground Alliance is the voice of Canada's Regional Partner CGAs dedicated to working toward damage prevention solutions that will benefit all Canadians. This website is a portal to Canada's Common Ground Alliance Partners and provides routine updates to the damage prevention issues of national interest the CCGA is managing on behalf of our Regional Partners."

See their Upcoming events:

CGA Excavation Safety Conference

March 8, 2011 - Caribe Royale All - Suite Hotel and Convention Center- Orlando, Florida

Source: CCGA

CGA Excavation Safety Conference & Expo: 811 or 911...Change One Little Number and Your Whole World Changes

2010-12-15T12:24:00.000-08:00

Presenter: Michael Callan , Callan and Company

Session Description

This program will talk about the work that is currently being done in emergency response to pipelines and explain the national programs from NASFM and PHMSA Pipeline Emergencies. Unfortunately the major cause of 911 calls for pipeline emergencies still is the failure of the excavators to dial 811. This presentation is a new approach to convince excavators for the need to make the call to 811 or else deal with the sad consequences of not calling 811 and then having to dial 911 for a Pipeline Emergencies.

Read about more sessions & register HERE!

Mayor Lanny McPherson says "Call Before You Dig"

2010-12-14T00:02:00.000-08:00

Some Russellville residents have been experiencing problems while putting up curbside mailboxes recently.

According to interim mayor Lanny McPherson, his theory that there may be issues concerning water lines while digging holes for the boxes has come to fruition.

As part of the United States Postal Service’s plan to make improvements in their delivery methods, certain areas of the city were expected to receive their mail from the curb by the end of November instead of on their homes. Historic areas were exempt from putting up the boxes.

It is anticipated that curbside mailboxes will help the post office become more efficient and keep their costs down on delivering mail. However, there are some residents that have attempted to dig a hole to place the box only to hit the utility line by digging too deep.

McPherson suggested people call 811 before digging. This number will connect you with Kentucky 811, a service that will contact the nearby utilities agencies who will then come out and mark where their lines are.

When you call 811, there will be an automated message that will direct you to a representative. You will need to provide your county and city, address and the nearest intersecting road.

Source: News- Democrat & Leader . com

2009 NASCAR Rookie-of-the-Year Joey Logano to speak at CGA Conference

2010-12-01T13:57:00.000-08:00

by Wendy Schaefer, Sunshine State One Call Communications Specialist

Joey Logano, driver of the #20 Home Depot Camry, will give you a taste of what it’s like to mix

NASCAR racing and the 811 campaign at the CGA Annual Breakfast held in conjunction with

the 2011 CGA Conference and Expo in Orlando.

Mark-it! Madness, a committee of One Calls of America, implemented the Logano-811

campaign three years ago, enabling participating states to have a celebrity spokesperson at a

fraction of the cost.

Logano has appeared in television, radio and print PSAs promoting the 811 message and has

been featured on several one-call center websites. This year, ads will feature him in an 811-

branded fire suit.

As the NASCAR season comes to a close, Logano celebrates another successful year, ranking

sixth in the NASCAR power rankings.

Source: CGA Monthly Update - November 2011

How To Locate Underground Power Lines

2010-11-30T12:45:00.000-08:00

By Julius Vandersteen, eHow Contributor

Call 811 to locate underground power lines before you do any digging.

Although we are used to seeing electrical power lines high in the air, suspended between utility poles to deliver electricity through neighborhoods and business districts, there are also power lines located underground. If you are a homeowner or a contractor working on a project that involves digging in the ground, you have to know the location of any underground power lines before you commence excavation. The consequences of not knowing and inadvertently cutting into a power line include disruption of power service, injury and death. Call authorities before doing any digging, even if you are only planting a tree or shrub.

Difficulty: Moderate

1
Go to Call 811's State-Specific Information website (see Resources).
2
Locate your state in the list, and click on the link to the state's rules and regulations to find out the specific details about digging in your area. Some states will let you submit an online digging request.
3
Call "811" on your telephone from anywhere in the United States a few days before digging is scheduled. Your call will automatically be routed to your local One Call Center.
4
Tell the operator the location of the site you intend to dig and what work you or your contractor will be doing. The operator will notify local utilities that will be affected. Within a few days, a person will come out to the site and mark the location of your underground power lines. There is no charge for this service. Once you see where the power lines are marked, you can dig safely.

Source: eHow

811 or 911...Change One Little Number and Your Whole World Changes

2010-11-28T13:00:00.000-08:00

CONFERENCE SESSIONS: 2011

Presenter: Michael Callan , Callan and Company

Session Description

Read more about the CGA EXCAVATION SAFETY & EXPO: March 8-10, 2011 and it's scheduled conference sessions here.

Subsurface Utility Locating & Marking Workshop

2010-11-23T14:11:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, March 8, 2011
9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Before December 17, 2010		December 17, 2010 or after
CGA Member	Non-CGA Member	CGA Member	Non-CGA Member
$370	$370	$395	$395

Who Should Attend? Not only is this skills training workshop a great introductory session and a valuable career building tool for the novice line locator, the workshop was designed to challenge and expand the knowledge base of even the most seasoned of pro’s of the art of underground line locating and marking.

What you will learn:  This information packed utility locator training workshop addresses both the art and science of the sometimes puzzling and daunting task of Underground Utility Line Locating and Marking. Locating technicians perform their duties daily in response to each states “Call Before You Dig” laws prior to planned and emergency excavation activities.   Mastery of this task of High Tech “hide and seek” is vital not only for employee safety but also the general public near excavation sites.   With a balanced mixture of classroom theory training combined with valuable hands-On field instruction performed outdoors participants will gain an A to Z understanding of the process. Special Emphasis is placed on mastery of the electronic detection equipment and troubleshooting techniques to solve utility locating puzzles. Participants will also gain an overall understanding of the entire National Utility Infrastructure layout. Utility locator training is key to insuring competent employees are responding to excavation notifications and then locating and marking the estimated location of underground utilities prior to excavation activities.
Classroom Training and Field Instruction: This two-fold training workshop begins with a live classroom training sessions with comprehensive animated slide presentations, lively discussions, and a supporting workbook loaded with reference materials and classroom activities. The classroom session is followed by a Hands On instruction performed outdoors where a variety of conventional and not so conventional equipment is placed in the hands of the workshop participants in efforts to build an "equipment friendly" users of line detection equipment.
Non-Vendor Specific Training: Utility training academy, utilizes only Non-vendor specific training materials. This allows our instructors to focus on the basic design and concept of conventional equipment as well as troubleshooting techniques to use when faced with line locating problems. The hands-on training gives you the opportunity to apply the knowledge obtained during the classroom portion of the training.   Much emphasis is placed on site investigations prior to locating.
Why you should attend:
- This workshop is also approved for 6-8 Continuing Educational Hours or Training Credits for Water Operator Certification renewals in Florida, Tennessee, California, New Mexico, Nevada, Arizona, Minnesota, Oklahoma.
- Workshop approved for 8 contact hours for CWEA certificate holders for credit toward the continuing education requirement for re-certification.
- This training covers the minimum training requirements identified in the Common Ground Alliance Best Practices 4-5- DOT Operator Qualification OQ Training and Testing
Presented by: Bob Nighswonger, President, Utility Training Academy. Mr. Nighswonger in a 25 year veteran in the utility locating and damage prevention industry.

CGA EXCAVATION SAFETY

CONFERENCE & EXPO: MARCH 8-10, 2011

CARIBE ROYALE HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER - ORLANDO, FLORIDA

Register for the CGA Excavation Safety Conference & Expo NOW!

2010-11-23T13:56:00.000-08:00

The premier Excavation Safety event for the
Underground Community returns to Orlando!

The CGA Excavation Safety Conference & Expo brings together stakeholders from throughout the industry to share ideas, learn from the experts and gather information on industry trends and technologies.
  • More than 50 conference sessions!
  • Over 100 exhibits & demonstrations!
  • In-depth workshops!
  • Networking functions!
  • Underground Safety Summit!
  • Learn from industry leaders!
  • Common Ground Alliance (CGA) Annual Meeting
  •And much, much more!

Register BEFORE DECEMBER 17, 2010 and receive discounted registration fees & reduced hotel rates!

Lightning Damage

2010-11-22T07:18:00.000-08:00

Wrapping tracer wire around plastic pipe is sometimes done to ensure accurate locates, but you run the risk of lightning strikes running down the tracer wire and melting holes in the pipe.

CHRISTIE, PARKER & HALE OBTAINS AN IMPORTANT PATENT FOR A GPS DRIVEN UTILITY ASSET MANAGEMENT AND DAMAGE PREVENTION SYSTEM AND METHOD

2010-11-18T08:19:00.000-08:00

LOS ANGELES -- Second graph, second sentence of release, patent number should read: 7,834,806 (sted 7,482,973).

The corrected release reads:

CHRISTIE, PARKER & HALE OBTAINS AN IMPORTANT PATENT FOR A GPS DRIVEN UTILITY ASSET MANAGEMENT AND DAMAGE PREVENTION SYSTEM AND METHOD

Christie, Parker & Hale LLP, one of Southern California's leading intellectual property law firms, announced today that the firm prosecuted another major patent application through issuance, for its client, Guardian ProStar, Inc. of Grand Junction, Colorado.

“We are excited to have played a significant role in the issuance of this patent for our client,” said Raymond R. Tabandeh, the CPH partner who prosecuted the patent. The patent, U.S. Pat. No. 7,834,806, pertains to collecting and managing data and information about utility assets buried under the ground. This data is required to make numerous business decisions like how, when and where excavators should or should not be digging the ground. The asset data is collected and integrated with GIS landbase and topography data in a precision grid, in real time. The data may then be stored to be utilized by the utility, construction, government, and other organizations. The extensive data may be integrated with commercially available map data, such as Google Map™.

"Inaccurate mapping and lack of sharing of buried asset location management information continues to be a major problem throughout the U.S. and abroad. Events, including the recent gas pipeline explosion in San Bruno, California, which resulted in several loss of lives and significant damage to the environment, are directly related to ineffective asset data management practices and inaccurate data," Tabandeh added.

ProStar’s Chief Executive Officer, Page Tucker stated: "The nation’s infrastructure highway and roadway, as well as the buried infrastructure that includes the gas lines, fiber optic, sewer and water lines are aging. Additionally, the increased construction activities in congested underground corridors add significant concerns to an already problematic situation. When coupled with poor planning and inaccurate asset location practices that have existed for several decades, you have a serious problem on your hands. This problem must be addressed, otherwise, recent catastrophic events that we have witnessed will continue to occur."

This latest patent adds increased value to a growing IP portfolio of ProStar that offers unique processes for precision data collection, storage and distribution, as well as excavation guidance systems.

Attorney General Miller: Four lawsuits allege "one call" violations

2010-11-17T07:54:00.000-08:00

11/16/2010

CONTACT: Geoff Greenwood
Communications Director
515-281-6699
geoff.greenwood@iowa.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 16, 2010

(DES MOINES, Iowa) Attorney General Tom Miller today announced Iowa One Call law enforcement actions in four counties. Four separate lawsuits involve excavations conducted in the vicinity of natural gas or hazardous liquids pipelines, without first providing required notice of the planned excavations and having the pipelines located and marked.

“We allege that these defendants did not do what the law required of them before excavating. That threatened the integrity of gas or hazardous materials pipelines, it could have jeopardized the safety of these crews, and it could have been an expensive and inconvenient service disruption to the public,” Miller said. “Iowa’s One Call law is simple. You call before you dig.”

Iowa law requires that any person, homeowner, professional, public or private entity, planning to engage in any form of excavation within the state of Iowa, must notify the Iowa One Call notification system, at 1-800-292-8989 or 811, at least 48 hours prior to excavating.

The One Call law authorizes civil penalties of up to $10,000 per day of violation, plus injunctive relief. Miller’s office has resolved the suits with each of the defendants, subject to court approval of the proposed consent decrees.

Mills County - David Dreyer d/b/a Dreyer AG

Petition

On October 27, 2009, David Dreyer d/b/a Dreyer AG conducted an excavation with a bulldozer and trenching equipment to install terraces and drainage tile without providing 48-hours notice of the planned excavation and having underground facilities located and marked. The defendant’s trenching equipment crossed over a 26-inch diameter natural gas pipeline and a 36-inch diameter natural gas pipeline, both under 425 psi pressure, hitting and gouging the latter pipeline requiring repairs. Under the consent decree issued Monday, Dreyer will pay a $7,000 civil penalty and be enjoined against further violations.

Buchanan County - David W. Recker Excavating, L.L.C.

Petition

On December 1, 2009, David W. Recker Excavating, L.L.C. conducted an excavation with a bulldozer to reshape a waterway without providing 48-hours notice of the planned excavation and having underground facilities located and marked. The defendant’s bulldozer crossed directly over a 36-inch diameter natural gas pipeline under 1926 psi pressure and within 50 feet of a 12-inch diameter hazardous liquids pipeline under 600 psi pressure. Under the proposed consent decree, Recker will pay a $5,000 civil penalty and be enjoined against further violations.

Sioux County - Dan Fedders

Petition

On June 30, 2009, Dan Fedders conducted an excavation to install new fencing without providing 48-hours notice of the planned excavation and having underground facilities located and marked. The defendant’s equipment came to within nine inches of a 12-inch diameter hazardous liquids pipeline under several hundred pounds of pressure per square inch. Under the consent decree issued Monday, Fedders will pay a $3,000 civil penalty and be enjoined against further violations.

Winnebago County - Ron Redenious

Petition

On April 27, 2010, Ron Redenius conducted an excavation with a backhoe to repair tile lines without providing 48-hours notice of the planned excavation and having underground facilities located and marked. The defendant’s backhoe came to within 50 inches of a three-inch diameter natural gas pipeline and within 25 feet of another three-inch diameter natural gas pipeline, both under 475 psi pressure. Under the proposed consent decree, Redenius will pay a $3,000 civil penalty and be enjoined against further violations.

Background on Iowa’s "One Call" Law:

Iowa’s OneCallCenter is reached at 1-800-292-8989, or via the national 811 number. It is located in Davenport and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Customer service personnel handle more than 50,000 calls a month during peak seasons. The OneCallCenter sends "locate requests" immediately to utility companies, who are required to mark underground utility locations within 48 hours with flags or paint showing where underground lines are located. The One Call web site is: http://www.iowaonecall.com.

Utility operators locate and mark underground facilities such as gas, hazardous liquids, communications, electric, cable TV, water, and sewer lines. Each year, Iowa One Call personnel handle more than 400,000 incoming calls, and coordinate more than two million underground facility "locates" in Iowa.

Iowa’s One Call law (Iowa Code Ch. 480) has been in effect since 1993. The Iowa One Call operation is paid-for by owners and operators of pipelines and other underground facilities. Services provided by Iowa One Call are free of charge to excavators. Violators are subject to a civil penalty up to $10,000 per day for violations related to natural gas and hazardous liquid pipelines, and up to $1,000 per day involving other underground facilities. Violators also may be liable for the repair costs of damaged facilities.

Source: IowaPolitics.com

Pipeline breaks draw attention to safety concerns

2010-11-16T07:55:00.000-08:00

Mark L. Heydlauff • Sturgis Journal

Signs like this are often the only clear indicator of buried pipelines. According to state records, two natural gas transmission lines cross different portions of St. Joseph County. Michigan is the 11th largest producer of natural gas in the United States.

Uninsurable

2010-11-12T09:10:00.000-08:00

November 8, 2010

by Virginia Reames
Commercial Lines Manager/Agent,
The Policy Center

Nobody ever really thinks too much about insurance. It may cross your mind when you get a bill or if you have a claim. Maybe you think about it when you have to get your agent to send out certificates when you bid a job, or when you get a bill for adding something to your policy. But mostly, your biggest concern is how much your insurance will cost you this year.

Let’s talk about that cost —

As long as you don’t have any claims, you figure your premium ought to stay the same, right? Or, thanks to some cleverly worded TV ads, you get the idea that your rates should even be going down. Even though you may have operated damage free, someone operating in the same class of business, perhaps even in another state may have had a huge claim. The result could be that everyone in the same business class gets a rate increase.

However, what if you are directly responsible for the huge claim in question? Suppose you are sent to a job and no one called 811? Time is money in business; someone’s on the clock and the equipment has to be somewhere else tomorrow. And you tell yourself that this is such a small job that chances are nothing will get cut, so you just don’t call. You arrive, look things over quickly and begin to dig. Did you get lucky?

What if the phone line you cut shuts down 911? What if the fire department communications got knocked out and it was too late getting the call about that apartment fire which then became a total loss? Or suppose you cut a gas distribution line that ignites and their phones were also down – see where this is going? Any idea what these costs are going to be?

Ok, so you have insurance. You’ve been paying premiums for years, right? Even if you have a $5 million umbrella, do you know what’s going to happen now?

The company is going to escrow your first million, and probably your umbrella (known in the business as “Reserve”). They’re going to put a law firm on the defense for you (more serious bucks), but they know that “reserve” money is gone. It may take years in and out of court but they know they’re going to have to pay big. They can’t use that money because there are laws controlling all that. And insurance companies also have insurance companies called “reinsurance”. They also reserve (probably most of that umbrella!)

The only way they won’t have to pay out all that money (your policy limits) is to prove you were not at fault. Had you called 811 before you dug and hit lines that weren’t marked, likely you would be in the clear. But you didn’t call and for all the reasons outlined above. Likely, you will unfortunately be found negligent – grossly negligent and that’s a bad spot to be in. It is true that you didn’t intend to do it, but you didn’t take the steps to prevent it. And it’s the law!

Now, you are coming up for renewal and you have that huge reserve out there. IF you have been with the same company for ten years or so, and IF you haven’t had any claims before, maybe just maybe, the company will decide to keep you on and offer you a renewal. But, more than likely, they will non-renew you. “Sorry, too big a risk”. Don’t worry, they are still responsible for the big claim, but they are no longer willing to insure you going forward. You have business contracts requiring that $5 million umbrella, and your business depends on contracts like that, so you get mad and call other agents.

Well, to offer a new quote, most insurance companies require something called Loss Runs from your prior carrier, not your agent, but the company itself and there sits the pending claim. They likely will not offer a quote either, because they are not willing to take the unnecessary risk. Especially since the company that wrote you for ten years prior isn’t willing to stay with you. They’re somewhat like sheep, if one says “No”; the others probably will say the same thing. If they offered the quote “Pending currently valued loss runs”, they would likely rescind the quote when they see the claim out there. If you misrepresent your situation (out of desperation) and say “I got all my experience by working for my brother, but this is my first year in business for myself” and get coverage, you need to understand this: all companies do what’s called an “inspection”. In other words, they check. When they discover the claim and the facts do not align with your story; they will cancel the policy for “material misrepresentation.”

But let’s pretend for a moment longer, that for whatever reason, they either didn’t conduct their inspection, or missed it somehow (very unlikely) – but just pretend here for a few more seconds. It can get worse. (since things do happen in threes) Let’s say your backhoe clipped someone’s truck, and you turn in a claim. You can believe that they will now find that pending claim and will deny this claim.

Why? They will say that due to the fact that you “materially misrepresented” your information to them on your application, and if they had known about the claim they would never have written the coverage in the first place, hence the current policy in essence never existed.

They will refund your premium, and you can pay for that truck out of your own pocket because you have no insurance.

Did I mention the fact that they will also notify all your certificate holders that there is no longer any insurance in effect?

And now YOU are now uninsurable. You can’t get insurance because nobody will write you. You might find a “B” or lower rated carrier who might write maybe $100,000 liability policy for an outrageous price (IF you can find it at all). But if your contracts require a $5 million umbrella and you can’t show proof of that coverage, they will go with the one who can.

It can happen. It does happen. Don’t let it happen to you – call 811 before you dig – no matter how small the job.

Source: The Damage Prevention Journal- Ohio's Safe Digging Resource

National Study Shows Only 1 in 4 Americans Aware of 811

2010-11-11T07:20:00.000-08:00

By commongroundia

About one in four Americans (23%) are aware that 811 is the national call-before-you-dig number. A recent study was conducted for the Common Ground Alliance (CGA) between July 30 and Aug 2 and was compromised to 2,000 people across the nation.

The study concluded that more than half the respondents (52%) said they would either be somewhat or extremely likey to call 811 before a digging project. This is up slightly from a similar 2008 study that indicated 49% would either be somewhat likely or extremely likely to call 811.

Residents of the Midwest rated highest against the other regions for awareness of call-before-you-dig, 811 awareness and exposure to 811 advertising. Men outranked women in all levels of 811 awareness, but men and women are essentially even in their likelihood to call 811 in the future.

You should be sure to call 811 a few days in advance of your scheduled dig to allow time for the request to be processed. Once your lines are marked, you will know their approximate location and you can dig safely. Knowing what’s below will protect you, your family and your neighbors.

Learn more about the 811 program at:http://www.call811.com

Details about the recent study can be found at this link:http://www.commongroundiowa.com/811Awareness.pdf

Source: Common Ground IA

Call 811 . Com

2010-11-10T10:00:00.000-08:00

Planning a home improvement job? Planting a tree? Installing a fence or deck? WAIT! Here's what you need to know first:

Whether you are planning to do it yourself or hire a professional, smart digging means calling 811 before each job.

Homeowners often make risky assumptions about whether or not they should get their utility lines marked, but every digging job requires a call – even small projects like planting trees and shrubs. The depth of utility lines varies and there may be multiple utility lines in a common area. Digging without calling can disrupt service to an entire neighborhood, harm you and those around you and potentially result in fines and repair costs. Calling 811 before every digging job gets your underground utility lines marked for free and helps prevent undesired consequences.

Source: Call811.com

Daniel J. Lucarelli Recognized for Excellence in Marketing

2010-11-09T07:21:00.000-08:00

"Daniel J. Lucarelli is a speaker and writer of underground damage prevention topics, including 'Measuring the Effectiveness of 8-1-1', 'Bringing Stakeholders Together' and 'Common Interests, Common Ground."

PITTSBURGH, PA, November 8, 2010 /Cambridge Who's Who/ -- Daniel J. Lucarelli, Director of Marketing and Education for Pennsylvania One Call System, Inc., has been recognized by Cambridge Who's Who for demonstrating dedication, leadership and excellence in nonprofit marketing.

Mr. Lucarelli is a high-performance leader with 20+ years of tactical planning and execution in Fortune 500 and start-up organizations. He has broad experience in developing businesses through effective product marketing and management, strong strategic partnerships, and advanced software engineering. He is able to conceptualize, design, develop, and execute innovative, powerful, well-targeted strategies and campaigns that deliver exceptional results.

In his capacity as the director of marketing and education for Pennsylvania One Call System, Inc. Mr. Lucarelli provides direction and support for underground excavation and safety advocacy through promotion of the 'Call Before you Dig!' message throughout the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. He is a speaker and writer of underground damage prevention topics, including 'Measuring the Effectiveness of 8-1-1', 'Bringing Stakeholders Together' and 'Common Interests, Common Ground.' He is also a consultant to small businesses on marketing strategy and management issues, and specializes in implementing low cost 'think outside the box' ideas that raise advocacy, raise company awareness, and implement sound business practices in social media, online, direct and traditional marketing. When asked to recall his greatest career achievement thus far, he recalls contributing to a team that built a $40 million private carriage telecommunications business in four years. He pursued a career with Pennsylvania One Call System, Inc. because he wanted to apply for-profit marketing concepts and strategies at a non-profit organization to raise stakeholder engagement and advocacy.

Mr. Lucarelli holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Pittsburgh's Katz Graduate School of Business and a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania. A member of the Pittsburgh Chapter of the American Marketing Association, the Pittsburgh Technology Council, and the Common Ground Alliance, he has been recognized for his achievements with the Exceptional Leadership Award from the Mark-it! Madness Committee of OCOA (2010) and the MapInfo Corporation Meridian Award for Organizational Impact (2006). He is a Beta Gamma Sigma, Inc. inductee, the Gold Winner of a 2007 Service Industry Advertising Award, and was named the 2009-2010 Highest Rated Speaker by the Common Ground Alliance. Mr. Lucarelli attributes his success to his hard work. In the future, he hopes to influence marketing efforts at a larger nonprofit organization.

For more information about Mr. Lucarelli, visit: http://www.linkedin.com/in/danlucarelli andhttp://www.naymz.com/dan_lucarelli_3300330.

About Cambridge Who's Who
With over 400,000 members representing every major industry, Cambridge Who's Who is a powerful networking resource that enables professionals to outshine their competition, in part through effective branding and marketing. Cambridge Who's Whoemploys similar public relations techniques to those utilized by Fortune 500 companies and makes them cost-effective for members who seek to take advantage of its career enhancement and business advancement services. Cambridge is pleased to welcome its new Executive Director of Global Branding and Networking, Donald Trump Jr., who is eager to share his extensive experience in this arena with members.

Cambridge Who's Who membership provides individuals with a valuable third party endorsement of their accomplishments and gives them the tools needed to brand themselves and their businesses effectively. In addition to publishing biographies in print and electronic form, it offers an online networking platform where members can establish new professional relationships.

For more information, please visit http://www.cambridgeregistry.com.

# # #

Press Release Keywords:
daniel lucarelli, pittsburgh pa, cambridge who's who, director of marketing and education, pennsylvania one call system inc,nonprofit, start-up organizations, product marketing, software engineering, underground excavation, safety advocacy, damage prevention, telecommunications
Read more press releases by Cambridge Who's Who:
Patricia Morrison Receives Professional Networking Community's Highest Honor
April Lauper Joins the Ranks of Leading Professionals
Julie A. Thompson Receives Professional Networking Community's Highest Honor
Howard L. Popliger Honored by Cambridge Who's Who
Mark Wollenberg Named to Exclusive Membership Organization
Christie J. Sposeto, RN, MSN, CLNC Honored by Cambridge Who's Who for Excellence in Health Care Consulting
Evelyn T. Ranone Inducted into Cambridge Who's Who
Margaret A. Jones Honored by Cambridge Who's Who for Excellence in Mortgage Management
Mitchell W. Schuster Honored by Cambridge Who's Who
Cordelia 'Cordy' E. Lougheed Named Professional of the Year in Writing

Source: Cambridge Who's Who

MEA complimentary webinar 2010: "The Mid-Term Election Results--What it Means"

2010-11-08T14:11:00.001-08:00

Thursday, November 11, 2010
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Central

Join us for a stimulating conversation with Richard Boykin, Partner, Barnes & Thornburg LLP. Richard spoke at our Executive and Legal Summit Sept 2010 on the Mid-Term Election Outlook.

Richard is a dynamic speaker who has his finger on the pulse in Washington.
Hear what Richard R. Boykin has to say about the balance of power in D.C.
Have your questions ready for a Q & A session following the presentation.

REGISTER HERE

Richard R. Boykin is a partner in the Chicago and Washington, D.C. offices of Barnes & Thornburg LLP, where he advises clients on government relations and legal matters. He concentrates his practice on the representation of significant institutions headquartered in the Midwest before federal legislative and executive institutions in Washington, D.C., and before units of state and local government in Illinois and Indiana. His experience includes appropriations, postal, health care, education, telecommunications, government reform and oversight, workforce education and small business legislative and executive policy.

You will receive access information once you register. Thank you.

If you have any questions, please contact Cecilia Luck at (651) 289-9600, ext. 118 or cecilia@midwestenergy.org.

Preview of new "MISS DIG Law"

2010-11-05T12:27:00.000-07:00

Preview of new "MISS DIG Law"
midpa | November 5, 2010 at 12:23 pm | Categories: Uncategorized |
Recently, representatives from several DPA's attended a meeting of the Michigan Damage Prevention Board. The meeting provided info on the updated MISS DIG Law, currently known as PA 53 of 1974.
A lot of hard work and time has gone into shaping this proposed legislation. Feel free to look over this draft (below) of the new law and submit any feedback to MISS DIG by November 19.
Eric Urbain - eurbain@missdig.org
Bob Suits - rsuits@missdig.org
8-25-09 Act 53 Revision before edits

Key Steps in Filing Business Insurance Claims

2010-11-04T14:05:00.000-07:00

If you know the right insider tips in any industry, your business is bound to benefit. And while I might not be able to give you your competitor's marketing plan for the next year or predict exactly when the next construction boom will hit, there is some insider information I can share with you about the initial steps your business should take when faced with the (usually dreaded) situation where you have to dust off and use your insurance. Working for years in a law firm that caters to both business clients and insurance companies, I know that, much like a seasoned football coach, the insurance companies have a predictable playbook when reviewing insurance claims. I also know that there are certain steps you should follow to avoid falling into the most common traps that can leave you without coverage for your loss.

1. Don't Wait. The day you learn of damage your business has suffered or of a potential claim being made against you, whether from an employee, contractor, or any other source, should be the day you put your insurance company on notice that you might need to use your coverage. The longer you wait to notify your insurance company, you give your insurance company more leverage to deny payment. I know there are a number of business decisions that must be made in regard to filing an insurance claim - like whether a claim would cause future premium increases or whether the economics of the deductible make the claim worthwhile - but you cannot allow those considerations to delay your contact with the insurance company. You can always withdraw your claim prior to the insurance company;s payment, and you simply don't want to put your business in the position where it needs coverage that is ultimately denied because you waited too long to send your notice.

2. Read your policy. If your business is like most, your insurance agent has sold you a number of insurances policies, and each policy provides you coverage for different types of damage or loss. That means that in the event you have to make an insurance claim, you need to figure out which of your insurance companies provides the coverage you need for the specific loss you face. While this won't be the most popular advice, the best way you can truly make the determination as to which insurance company you need to involve is to read your policies. The "definitions" and "coverage" sections will give you a snapshot of the coverage available under a specific policy, but your careful review of all the policy provisions will also outline your other obligations to successfully present your claim. Your agent and your attorney can assist in this review, but often there is no substitute for reading and understanding the coverage limits and requirements yourself.

3. Preserve all documents and evidence. Regardless of the type of claim you need to make, and whether you have photographs of damage, witness statements, or electronic documents, one of your immediate (and ongoing) obligation is to make sure that all documents and evidence relating in any way to your loss are preserved. The insurance company will usually not hesitate to deny your claim if you cannot review the matter for itself through preserve evidence.

4. Keep your business going. Even though your attention is diverted and inconvenience abounds when you have to start the process of filing an insurance claim, one of your other key obligations is to make sure the loss your business suffers does not get any worse. To the extent you can work around the problem and continue with business as usual, you should. Your insurance company will start to reduce or deny your claim if you do not make your best effort to minimize damage and get back to doing what you know best, even if only in a reduced or modified way.

If you keep these four key steps in mind when faced with the unenviable task of filing and insurance claim, you will have the insider's insight to eliminating common obstacles to getting your insurance company's full help.

By: Heather Marx, Partner with the national law firm of Hinshaw & Culbertson, LLP.

Source: Damage Prevention PROfessional Magazine (free subscription- print or online)

Q: Is it illegal to remove pipeline markers?

2010-11-01T13:19:00.000-07:00

-John Trimble, Sector

A: Out of sight, out of mind. The vast majority of America's 2.5 million miles of energy pipelines are underground, causing them to be vulnerable to accidental breaches and failures as a result of digging and excavation practices. As a way to avoid accidental contact with pipelines, markers are used to provide these valuable resources, and the companies that operate them, a sense of presence in the open environment and serve as a warning to others that a dangerous utility is in the vicinity.

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) requires operators to ensure their pipeline rights-of-way are properly marked and identified for a variety of reasons, including to save lives and to ensure proper excavation practices are conducted in the pipeline's vicinity. In the absence of a marker, excavation activities in the area of pipeline right-of-way can have tragic consequences. Occasionally, PHMSA is notified when pipeline markers are illegally removed, causing a once easily identifiable right-of-way to look similar to other surrounding landscapes.

So why would someone want to remove a pipeline marker from the ground? PHMSA inspectors have encountered a number of reasons including homeowners or realtors attempting to sell homes adjacent to pipeline easements, developers looking to build on land in the area of a pipeline right-of-way, or disgruntled landowners unhappy with markers near their properties. No matter the reason behind it, removing a pipeline marker is AGAINST THE LAW. Anyone found guilty of knowingly and willfully defacing, damaging, removing, or destroying a pipeline sign or right-of-way marker can be fined, receive imprisonment for up to one year or both.

PHMSA asks you to protect yourself and others. If you observe anyone removing a pipeline marker without an operator's permission, remind them they are breaking the law. In addition, operators experiencing chronic problems with individuals removing their markers should contact their state program manager or regional PHMSA pipeline safety office to discuss ways to resolve the problem.

Remember, before digging in the vicinity of a pipeline marker, all excavators, including the general public, should call their State One-Call Center to ensure any underground facilities are accurately marked. Pipeline markers indicate only the presence of a pipeline and cannot be relied upon to determine its exact location. Additionally, there may be multiple pipelines located in the same right-of-way.

The One-Call process is designed to protect both people and property and calling 811 will connect you with appropriate One-Call Center. So Call Before You Dig - IT'S THE LAW.

-Damon A. Hill, Spokesman
Office of Government, International and Public Affairs
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)
U.S. Dept. of Transportation
damon.hill@dot.gov

JULIE Partnership with White Sox Hits a Home Run

2010-10-28T14:17:00.000-07:00

"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

2010-10-28T09:37:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-28T08:21:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-27T09:07:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-27T08:12:00.001-07:00

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

2010-10-26T14:28:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-25T13:53:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-22T08:45:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-21T07:49:00.000-07:00

Public Awareness Manager Patent

2010-10-19T09:31:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-18T11:47:00.000-07:00

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?

2010-10-15T09:05:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-10-14T12:03:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-13T10:54:00.000-07:00

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"

2010-10-07T08:24:00.000-07:00

"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!

2010-10-05T09:54:00.000-07:00

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.

San Bruno explosion

2010-09-28T12:30:00.000-07:00

This devistating explosion in a San Francisco suburb caused the destruction of 50 homes (120 damaged), 1 death, and over 30 people injured. The source of the blast is believed to have been a large natural gas pipe that ran underground through San Bruno, say local utility officials. Read more about this September, 10th accident HERE.

Register to attend and learn more about the API 2010 Damage Prevention Workshop
in Houston, TX at the Omni Houston Hotel Westside from Thursday, October 14, 2010 through Friday, October 15, 2010.

Call Before You Dig - Real Estate

2010-08-31T13:43:00.000-07:00

Someone recently asked if there are other people who are seeing problems with Real Estate lawn signs being installed without locates. This could be a huge problem and is anyone having success convincing Realtors to call before they pound in a sign?

CGA Conference

2010-08-25T09:42:00.000-07:00

Our website for the 2011 CGA Conference has been updated. Information on this website will be updated periodically throughout the year as we develope the conference. I will also post information to this blog as with new information concerning the conference.

Excavation Safety

Feds increased, but state cut gas-safety funding

Gas utility assessments cover pipeline inspections, but is funding enough to protect the public?

Assisting Stakeholders in Damage Reduction

CCGA- Canadian Common Ground Alliance

CGA Excavation Safety Conference & Expo: 811 or 911...Change One Little Number and Your Whole World Changes

Mayor Lanny McPherson says "Call Before You Dig"

2009 NASCAR Rookie-of-the-Year Joey Logano to speak at CGA Conference

How To Locate Underground Power Lines

Instructions

811 or 911...Change One Little Number and Your Whole World Changes

CONFERENCE SESSIONS: 2011

Subsurface Utility Locating & Marking Workshop

Tuesday, March 8, 20119:00 am - 5:00 pm

Register for the CGA Excavation Safety Conference & Expo NOW!

The premier Excavation Safety event for theUnderground Community returns to Orlando!

Lightning Damage

CHRISTIE, PARKER & HALE OBTAINS AN IMPORTANT PATENT FOR A GPS DRIVEN UTILITY ASSET MANAGEMENT AND DAMAGE PREVENTION SYSTEM AND METHOD

Attorney General Miller: Four lawsuits allege "one call" violations

Pipeline breaks draw attention to safety concerns

Mark L. Heydlauff • Sturgis Journal

Uninsurable

National Study Shows Only 1 in 4 Americans Aware of 811

Call 811 . Com

Whether you are planning to do it yourself or hire a professional, smart digging means calling 811 before each job.

Daniel J. Lucarelli Recognized for Excellence in Marketing

MEA complimentary webinar 2010: "The Mid-Term Election Results--What it Means"

Preview of new "MISS DIG Law"

Preview of new "MISS DIG Law"

Key Steps in Filing Business Insurance Claims

Q: Is it illegal to remove pipeline markers?

JULIE Partnership with White Sox Hits a Home Run

New Common Ground Iowa Video Previews on YouTube

Pipeline Safety Public Awareness and Education

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

NZ Contractors Federation Joins Forces with BeforeUdig

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

CGA Wins Prestigious Telly Award for 811 Campaign Support Materials

NYSE Closing Bell Features 811

Northeast Gas Association Damage Prevention Workshop

Public Awareness Manager Patent

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

GPR & RT accuracy?

It's the law!

Acquisition Positions Caterpillar to Deliver Subsurface Imaging and Mapping Services

"It Only Takes a Second"

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

San Bruno explosion

Call Before You Dig - Real Estate

CGA Conference

Tuesday, March 8, 2011
9:00 am - 5:00 pm

The premier Excavation Safety event for the
Underground Community returns to Orlando!