Pipeline Safety and One Call: Using Technology to Boost Compliance
- Amanda Horn
- Oct 30
- 5 min read
Updated: Nov 5
Pipeline safety is not just a regulatory requirement—it’s a business-critical imperative for gas utility operators. A single strike can result in catastrophic damage, environmental hazards, costly downtime, and severe regulatory penalties.
In an industry where precision, compliance, and proactive planning are non-negotiable, technology plays an increasingly important role in supporting pipeline safety programs.
Modern pipeline 811 solutions, such as BOSS811®, help operators reduce risk, streamline workflows, and maintain adherence to PHMSA and state regulations.
This article examines how pipeline operators can utilize advanced 811 technology to enhance one-call pipeline safety, prevent damage to gas utilities, and streamline compliance reporting.
The Regulatory Landscape:
Navigating PHMSA and State-Level Rules
The regulatory environment for pipeline operators is complex and unforgiving. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) establishes national policy, sets and enforces standards, educates, and conducts research to prevent incidents across the nation’s pipeline infrastructure. PHMSA’s strict standards for pipeline design, operation, and safety management demand rigorous compliance from operators. Adhering to these regulations—including timely reporting, accurate documentation, and proactive damage prevention protocols—is essential not only to avoid costly fines but also to protect public safety and maintain system integrity.
Beyond federal standards, state-level rules often impose additional requirements, including mandatory 811 notifications, excavation oversight, and specific recordkeeping procedures. Pipeline operators must manage hundreds—if not thousands—of locate requests annually, all while ensuring timely and compliant responses.
Traditional manual processes, such as phone-based ticket handling and the use of spreadsheets, are increasingly insufficient in meeting these compliance expectations. Errors in documentation or missed notifications can trigger audits, fines, and reputational risk.
By adopting PHMSA compliance software and digital solutions like BOSS811, pipeline operators gain tools to manage gas utility damage prevention systematically, creating audit-ready records and reducing the risk of human error.
How Technology Bridges the Gap
Between Operations and Compliance
Modern pipeline operators require technology that seamlessly integrates day-to-day operations with compliance management. Advanced one-call software ensures that every step—from ticket intake to completion—is tracked, verified, and documented.
Automated record-keeping reduces the administrative burden of manual logging, ensuring that every ticket, field note, and communication is captured and time-stamped. With BOSS811, operators can quickly access historical ticket data, creating a reliable audit trail that meets state and federal standards.
Standardized reporting features allow compliance officers to generate reports tailored to PHMSA requirements, providing regulators with accurate, verifiable information quickly. By automatically capturing details such as ticket type, completion status, and timeframes, operators reduce the likelihood of reporting errors and demonstrate a proactive approach to pipeline safety.
Real-time communication capabilities ensure that field teams can provide instant updates on locate requests, photo documentation, and ticket resolution. This transparency between operations and compliance teams reduces delays and prevents miscommunication that could lead to pipeline strikes.
Learn how BOSS811 can help you strengthen pipeline safety today! Watch this short demo video, then click below to request your customized demo.
Key Software Features for
Pipeline Operators
Pipeline operators face unique challenges that go beyond standard 811 requirements. Specialized features in modern 811 platforms, like BOSS811, help operators meet regulatory standards while protecting critical infrastructure:
Detailed Ticket History: Every ticket processed through the system retains a complete history, including timestamps, approvals, and communication logs. This ensures full accountability and simplifies compliance reviews.
Photo and Video Documentation: Field technicians can attach images or video evidence to each ticket, providing visual verification of completed locates or damage prevention measures. These records are invaluable for audits and regulatory reporting.
Multiple Dashboards: Operators can monitor open tickets, overdue locates, and historical trends through centralized dashboards. By visualizing risk areas and operational performance, managers can quickly identify compliance gaps and take corrective action.
Automated Notifications and Alerts: By automatically notifying Facility Owners and Operators when tickets are updated or completed, BOSS811 ensures that nothing falls through the cracks, and deadlines are met consistently.
Integration with GIS and Facility Maps: Combining ticketing data with live and static geospatial information improves situational awareness, enabling operators to plan excavation work accurately and prevent accidental strikes.
By combining these features, operators create a proactive environment where safety and compliance are embedded into daily workflows rather than treated as afterthoughts.
Preventing Pipeline Strikes:
From Theory to Practice
While adherence to laws and industry standards is a primary driver, the practical benefits of modern pipeline protection software are just as compelling. Consider the cost of a single pipeline strike: repairs, operational downtime, regulatory fines, and potential environmental or public safety liabilities. Industry studies estimate that the direct cost of a pipeline incident can exceed hundreds of thousands of dollars, not including indirect reputational damage.
By implementing an automated 811 system like BOSS811, pipeline operators can:
Quickly identify high-risk excavation areas.
Route locate requests to the correct teams automatically.
Track progress in real-time, reducing response times.
Maintain complete, auditable records for every ticket and field verification.
In practice, these capabilities reduce the risk of human error, ensure compliance with one-call pipeline safety protocols, and protect both employees and the public. Pipeline operators who integrate technology into their safety workflows can transition from reactive incident management to proactive risk mitigation.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What is pipeline 811 compliance?
A: Pipeline 811 compliance refers to following the legal requirement to call 811 before digging to have underground utility lines marked. This process, supported by the Common Ground Alliance (CGA) and regulated by agencies like the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), is a crucial safety measure that prevents damage to buried pipelines, utility lines, and other infrastructure. Failure to comply can lead to fines, injuries, service outages, and property damage.
Q: How does BOSS811 help with gas utility damage prevention?
A: BOSS811 centralizes ticket management, automates routing, and integrates GIS data, helping operators prevent pipeline strikes and meet regulatory obligations.
Q: Can these systems handle multi-state operations?
A: Yes. BOSS811 is designed for utilities with operations across multiple jurisdictions, allowing standardized workflows, reporting, and compliance tracking across states.
Conclusion: Fortifying Your Compliance
and Safety Strategy
Pipeline operators face a high-stakes environment where safety and compliance are inseparable. Failure to manage 811 tickets effectively can lead to costly strikes, regulatory fines, and safety incidents. Modern pipeline 811 compliance tools like BOSS811 empower operators to bridge the gap between daily operations and regulatory obligations.
By automating ticket management, integrating GIS mapping, enabling real-time communication, and capturing detailed documentation, pipeline operators can transform their one-call pipeline safety practices. The result is a more efficient, proactive, and compliant approach to pipeline safety.
In today’s regulatory landscape, compliance isn’t optional. The right technology provides both operational efficiency and peace of mind, ensuring your pipeline infrastructure—and your people—remain protected.
Compliance isn’t optional. Make audits easier and operations safer with a dedicated 811 platform. Request a compliance-focused tour of BOSS811 today.
Amanda Horn | BOSS Solutions
BOSS811 Senior Product Support Specialist
Amanda Horn is a Product Support Specialist for BOSS811, bringing hands-on expertise in 811 ticket management and damage prevention solutions. With a deep understanding of utility operations and compliance requirements, Amanda helps customers optimize workflows, enhance safety, and make the most of BOSS811’s features. She is passionate about sharing practical insights and best practices to support safer, more efficient excavation projects.
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