Date: December 05, 2016

Subject: Protecting gas meters and preventing damage 

The Minnesota Office of Pipeline Safety staff urges pipeline operators, building managers and residents of single- or multi-family buildings to be aware that accumulations of water, ice and snow can cause serious damage to gas facilities.

Weather phenomena such as snowfalls and ice formations warrant extra attention to safety issues. Operators should take proactive measures to safeguard outside service regulators, meters and other facilities from accumulation of water, ice and snow.

Exercise caution when removing snow because snow removal equipment or falling ice can easily strike or damage gas facilities. Snow removed from driveways, walks, streets and parking lots should not be placed near a meter set, service regulator or other pipeline facility.

Operators should consider placing public service announcements in local newspapers, including notices with invoices and using other media to communicate this important safety message to the public. The Minnesota Office of Pipeline Safety issues a statewide news release annually, but often the media response is better when the message comes from a local source.

Contact the Minnesota Office of Pipeline at 651-201-7230 for more information.