SaskEnergy today reminded customers to work safely when clearing snow from around buildings, including rooftops, so as to not bury or damage natural gas meters or risers. This reminder comes after SaskEnergy responded to four incidents over the last three days where natural gas meters and above ground facilities were damage by equipment during snow removal.
Homeowners and businesses are also reminded to check their natural gas meter as melting snow from rooftops can also form ice on the natural gas meter, as moisture freezes overnight.
SaskEnergy has the following winter safety tips when dealing with a natural gas meter:
· Keep the meter, regulator and shut-off valve free of snow and ice. Heavy amounts of snow or ice caused from sleet, freezing rain or a leaking eavestrough can cause damage to meter fittings and pipes, which can increase the risk of a natural gas leak.
· Remove any built-up snow by hand – do not use a sharp instrument to scrape or chip off the ice or snow. Do not hit or kick the meter to break the ice or remove the snow build-up.
· Do not use a snow-plow or snow-blower near your meter. Make sure you know where your gas meter is before you start your snow removal.
SaskEnergy’s natural gas meters are designed to safely operate in Saskatchewan winters. However, ice build-up may affect the operation of the natural gas regulator. This is a safety design feature which prevents pressure from building up on gas supply lines inside a facility.
Each winter, SaskEnergy responds to gas leaks caused by ice build-up on meters, or from damage to meters which occur during snow removal.
If you have any concerns about possibly damaging the natural gas meter and regulator this winter, please contact SaskEnergy at 1-888-7000-GAS (427) to have the ice safely removed by one of our technicians.
