I have dug around the highest profile fiberoptic lines, gas mains, water mains, you name it.
A gas service does not scare me though restrictions are getting tighter.
I have cut through many gas service poly lines with a shovel. We used to just fold them over and crimp them closed with pliers (takes minor balls). Then they started complaining that we shouldnt do that because it was dangerous. Yeah well no shiz. Its also dangerous to let natural gas blow out down the hill into the community waiting on a bunch of slackers to show up.
If they offered to disconnect it no charge then grind away.
There are three things every guy on an excavator fears every day, fiber optics, underground power lines and high pressure gas mains. The rest is a no charge fix if it gets broke provided it was spotted with a shovel.
When you break a high profile fiber optic you are charged by the minute it is down. You will say oh dammm and 10 SUV's and a helicopter will be overhead. The company will be billed hunderds of thousands if not millions in damages.
When you break a high pressure gas main they may find pieces of your teeth.
Hen you hit an underground powerline you will be a dead man if you touch that machine and the ground. If your bucket is it contact with it. Bearing in mind it may weld every joint of an excavator soild in place instantly.
I personally have no remorse for cable, phone, or gas services. Though I try not to break them because I dont like waiting two hours on a crew to fix it. Use your shovel any time you can.