Natural Gas Safety

PGW's priority and most important responsibility is protecting the safety of our employees, customers, communities, stakeholders and ensuring safety throughout all of our operations. We are improving service safety and reliability with an aggressive Methane Reduction Program to replace vintage gas mains with newer, safer alternatives.

Our program enhances service while also advancing PGW’s goal of reducing methane emissions by 80 percent by 2050.

In 2020, Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) invested approximately $85 million to install more than 37 miles of new natural gas pipeline across the City of Philadelphia; marking the largest number of miles of new main replaced in a year since its Long-Term Infrastructure Improvement Program (LTIIP) began in 2015.  

Replacing mature cast-iron pipes – which over time can release methane due to age – with seamless, modern materials, PGW cuts its methane emissions every year by approximately 180 metric tons, equal to removing more than 1,000 cars from the road, or planting over 77,000 trees.   

Each and every day, PGW’s experienced workforce navigates Philadelphia’s complex matrix of narrow streets to safely install new, underground pipes and service lines, inspect for potential leaks utilizing state of the art equipment, and repair natural gas pipelines and service lines. PGW utilizes multiple advanced laser methane detection technology equipment.

We possess both the Heath RMLD (remote methane leak detector) and the Sensit LZ-30, which are methane specific and allow PGW to detect methane at very low parts per million level from a distance of up to 100’. This is used in conjunction with the Sensit G2 combustible gas indicator which can detect in %volume gas in air in order to have the capability to find and grade leaks as hazardous and non-hazardous on the spot. PGW also utilizes the Sensit PMD (portable methane detector) which allows us to detect methane specific leaks as low as 1 part per million. PGW also deploys multiple vehicular survey crews that detect methane using an open path infrared technology that is methane specific and can detect levels of gas as low as 1 part per million. The equipment PGW uses is widely used by other local distribution companies in the industry. In addition to the cutting edge technology PGW currently uses, we are consistently evaluating new and more sensitive technologies that can detect methane from greater distances as those products become available.  

The leak detection program utilized by PGW’s industry-trained and operator-qualified technicians and field crews strictly adhere to all guidelines and best practices put forth by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), the PA Public Utility Commission (PUC), and natural gas industry experts.

To view PGW’s annual progress, customers can visit pgworks.com/worksites for a comprehensive map of PGW’s planned pipeline improvement projects around the City.

To maintain our commitment to safety, PGW must inspect the natural gas meter and service lines at your property every three years. If you receive a Gas Safety Home Inspection request from PGW, please contact us at 215-235-1000, M-F between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. to schedule your appointment.

• Residential Gas Safety Inspections FAQs

PGW employees must be able to easily access your meter to perform meter readings, periodic safety checks, routine maintenance, and manage critical tasks in an emergency. 

To help ensure that your meter functions properly, safely, and dependably, please follow these important tips:

If you have an indoor meter:

• Keep the area surrounding the meter clear of boxes, furniture, shelves, etc.
• Do not build walls or paneling that obstructs access to the meter.
• Never hang or lean anything against a meter.
• Instruct children not to climb on, or play near, a meter.
• Do not tamper with your meter, or attempt to service or maintain the meter yourself.
   

If you have an outdoor meter:

• Keep the meter clear of any landscaping that obstructs access or visibility. Shrubs and plants should be trimmed regularly.
• Do not build decking or fencing that blocks access to the meter.
• Instruct children not to climb on, or play near, a meter. Any extra weight can damage the meter and connecting pipes.
• In the winter, carefully clear ice and snow from the meter as well as any appliance exhaust vents. Be sure to clean and repair leaky seams in your eaves, gutters and downspouts to prevent melting snow and ice from dripping onto the meter.
• Never use a snow blower or plow around a meter. Shovel or sweep the immediate area carefully by hand.
• If the snowfall is deep, please clear a safe path to the meter.
• Do not tamper with your meter, or attempt to service or maintain the meter yourself.

Call PGW at 215-235-1212 immediately if you damage the meter or smell natural gas around the meter.

At Philadelphia Gas Works, we’re committed to safety. That commitment includes planning and training for any situation that may arise.

It also includes regularly testing the loud alarms at our facilities in Port Richmond and Passyunk. Different alarms mean different things, and each has its own testing schedule. Here’s what each one sounds like, what it means, and when it’s tested.

General Alarm – This air siren is for people inside the Plant, and is tested Thursdays at noon.
[Passyunk Alarm] [Port Richmond Alarm]

Plant Evacuation Alarm – This air siren is for people inside the Plant, and is tested Thursdays at noon.
[Passyunk Alarm] [Port Richmond Alarm]

Civil Evacuation Alarm – This air siren is for the surrounding community and is tested at noon the first Friday of every month.
[Passyunk Alarm] [Port Richmond Alarm]

You can also read and download PGW’s updated emergency pamphlets:

Passyunk Plant Emergency Pamphlet

Richmond Plant Emergency Pamphlet

REMEMBER: If you smell gas, or have an unsafe condition, call PGW at 215-235-1212 any time, day or night.

Working on a project that requires digging? 

Call 8-1-1 first, or (800) 242-1776 from a number outside Pennsylvania.

This free service ensures underground utility lines are marked, preventing damage to service lines and keeping you and your property safe. Remember, it’s the law.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a dangerous gas produced when heating systems are not working correctly and cause severe sickness and even death. You can't smell, taste or see CO.

To protect yourself and your loved ones:

• Have your appliances, chimney and flue serviced regularly by a qualified technician.
• Install a battery-operated CO detector in your home.
• Replace batteries in your CO detector twice a year.
• Never use an oven to heat your home.
• Never use a charcoal grill indoors.

If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, call 911 or emergency medical help immediately.

For more information, visit http://www.cdc.gov/co/

Be Sure Before You Open The Door

Before letting anyone claiming to be a utility worker into your home or business always ask for identification. If you’re even the slightest bit unsure about a person’s claim to be from PGW call 911.

All PGW employees have:

• ID badges
• Official white PGW vehicles with clearly visible PGW logos and municipal license plates
• Branded clothing

Imposter Brochure

Folleto de impostores – Español

防冒名顶替者手册 – 中文

Heavy rains can cause flooding any time of the year. If your home or basement floods:

• Don't step in floodwater. Before you go into a flooded basement, ask PGW or your local fire department to turn off your natural gas and electricity.
• If you smell natural gas, leave immediately. Don't operate gas or electric appliances. Call  PGW’s 24-hour gas emergency hotline at (215) 235-1212.