3 Pipeline Strike Response Trainings scheduled across Kentucky

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WBKO) - The Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC) is holding Pipeline Strike Response Training events across Kentucky in April and May.

The Pipeline Strike Response Trainings will showcase best practices for excavation and the appropriate responses to gas pipeline incidents for utility operators and emergency responders.

Utility and emergency responders will navigate a simulated incident while adhering to their approved policies and procedures, during the response segment.

This will offer a firsthand look at the collaboration efforts in responding to an actual pipeline strike incident.

According to the release, the in-class portion will include an overview of the Underground Facilities Damage Prevention Act, the locate request process, discussions with First Responders and Utility Operators, a review of best practices for damage reporting, and a demonstration of the correct use of a hit kit.

This event is in collaboration with Kentucky 811, Duke Energy of Kentucky, Inc., Atmos Energy Corporation, Columbia Gas of Kentucky, the National Utility Contractors Association, Martin Contracting, Spartan Construction, and local emergency responders.

The Pipeline Strike Response Trainings will be held at the following:

April 17 – Burlington - State Fire Rescue Training Facility, 3025 Conrad Lane, Burlington KY 41005
May 7 – Bowling Green - Western-Kentucky University, L.D. Brown Agricultural Exposition Center, 406 Elrod Road, Bowling Green, KY 42104
May 20 – Ashland - Ashland Train Depot, 99 15th St. Ashland, KY 41101

Contractors, emergency responders, and utility operators will be in attendance.

The events are free and open to those who are interested. Advance registration is recommended as lunch will be provided.

Training will begin at 8:00 a.m. for registration at the Burlington and Bowling Green events, while the official start time for the Ashland event is set for 12:30 p.m.

Registration information is available on the PSC website at: Pipeline Strike Response Training.