Gas line safety for landscapers: preventing breaks and emergency procedures in Quebec

Underground gas line breaks during landscaping work happen more often than most people think. Energir, Quebec's natural gas utility, reports that more than 3 underground infrastructure breaks happen daily across the province, with 48% involving gas or electric networks. Most of these incidents are preventable.

Why gas line safety matters for landscaping

Landscaping projects routinely involve digging: fence posts, retaining walls, patios, drainage, tree planting. Natural gas lines run under residential properties throughout Montreal and Quebec, and they're not always where you'd expect. The lines aren't always buried at the same depth either, according to Energir.

A damaged gas line creates an immediate safety hazard. Natural gas is highly flammable, and a leak in an enclosed or low-lying area can lead to an explosion. Even a small nick in a pipe can cause a dangerous situation.

The locate request: your first step

Before any work that involves breaking ground, you or your contractor must file a locate request with Info-Excavation. This applies to every project, whether it's a full backyard renovation or just planting a single fence post.

How to file:

• Online: info-ex.com
• By phone: 1-800-663-9228

The service is free. Allow at least three business days for member utilities, including Energir, to process the request and send locators to your site.

Once the locate is done, you'll receive a localization plan. Our utility locate marks field guide explains the colour codes and how to interpret the markings. For the full locate request process, see call before you dig in Quebec. Energir advises that you read it carefully before starting work, as it may contain additional instructions specific to your site.

The buffer zone: 1 metre on each side

After locators mark the gas line on your property (indicated by yellow paint, flags, or stakes), you must maintain a 1-metre buffer zone on either side of the pipe. Energir requires this for all excavation work.

Within the buffer zone:

• Dig by hand (shovel only) or use soft excavation methods (hydro-vac or vacuum excavation)
• No mechanical equipment: excavators, augers, trenchers, and rototillers must stay outside the buffer
• Keep the gas line marking visible for the entire duration of the project

Outside the buffer zone, you can use mechanical equipment, but proceed carefully. Energir notes that gas lines aren't always buried at the same depth, so depth can vary even along the same property.

Recognizing a gas leak

Natural gas is odourless in its natural state. Energir adds a chemical called mercaptan that gives it a distinctive rotten egg smell so leaks can be detected. According to Energir's emergency page, you might also notice:

• A hissing or blowing sound near the ground
• Dirt or debris being blown into the air
• Bubbling in standing water
• Dying vegetation in a localized area (an older, slower leak)

If you notice any of these signs while working, treat it as a gas leak.

Emergency procedures: what to do if you hit a gas line

If you strike, nick, or damage a gas line during excavation, follow this sequence immediately:

1. Stop all work

Turn off engines and all motorized equipment right away. Don't try to repair or clamp the pipe yourself.

2. Allow gas to escape naturally

Don't attempt to stop the gas flow. The leak needs to vent to open air.

3. Evacuate the area

Move well away from the leak. If you're indoors, leave the building immediately. On your way out, open doors and windows to increase ventilation, but don't delay your exit to do so.

4. Eliminate ignition sources

According to Energir:

• Don't smoke
• Don't use a cell phone near the leak (static electricity can produce a spark)
• Don't flip light switches, on or off
• Don't start any vehicle near the leak area

5. Call for help from a safe distance

• Call 911 from a safe distance, away from the leak area
• If 911 isn't available in your region, call 1-800-361-8003 (Energir's emergency line)

A broken gas pipe automatically triggers a dispatch of both fire services and Energir's emergency response team.

Prevention practices for landscaping contractors

Beyond the basic locate request, professional landscapers should build these habits into every project:

Before the project starts:

• File the locate request at least one week before the planned start date (three business days is the minimum, but give yourself margin)
• Review the localization plan with your entire crew
• Brief workers on gas line locations, buffer zones, and emergency procedures
• Have the Energir emergency number (1-800-361-8003) posted on-site

During the project:

• Photograph all locate marks before starting work
• Hand-dig to confirm utility depth within the buffer zone before using any equipment nearby
• Monitor for the smell of mercaptan (rotten egg) throughout the work day
• Don't assume depth stays consistent, even along the same line
• Keep locate marks visible and reapply if they fade

Project planning:

• Contact Energir during the planning phase for projects involving road or sidewalk work, as they may want to coordinate improvements to gas infrastructure
• Download Info-Excavation's excavation directives and keep them accessible on-site
• Review the CNESST prevention sheet jointly developed with Energir for Quebec-specific workplace safety requirements

High-pressure gas lines and easements

Some Quebec properties have high-pressure gas lines running through or near them, marked by an easement (servitude). If your property has an Energir easement:

• Energir performs vegetation control on the easement for safety reasons
• You can't build permanent structures on the easement
• Construction projects near the easement require authorization from Energir
• The rules are stricter than for standard residential gas lines

Check your property title or contact Energir directly if you're unsure whether an easement applies.

What it comes down to

Gas line safety during landscaping work boils down to this: file the locate request, respect the buffer zone, and know the emergency procedure. It's free, it's simple, and it can prevent a dangerous situation.

Need a landscaping contractor who takes safety seriously? Call Montreal Paysagement Pro at 514-900-3867. We file locate requests on every project, follow Energir's buffer zone requirements, and train our crews on emergency procedures.

Sources:

• Energir: check before you dig
• Energir: prevention for construction work
• Energir: emergency procedures
• Energir: prevention basics
• Energir: high-pressure gas line easements
• Info-Excavation - Locate request service
• Canadian Guidelines for Safe Excavation