[Docket No. PHMSA-2011-0335]
PHMSA
issued Advisory Bulletin ADB-2012-02 to Operators of Gas, Hazardous Liquid, and
Carbon Dioxide Pipelines and Liquefied Natural Gas Facilities. Operators and
contractors are encouraged to review and update, where necessary, plans and
procedures governing post-accident substance abuse/misuse testing and train all
those involved with ensuring that such testing is performed promptly and in an
effective manner.
PHMSA regulations in Part 199 require pipeline operators and operators of
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facilities to conduct post-accident drug and
alcohol tests of covered employees. Within the mandated timelines after a
reportable pipeline accident or incident, operators must drug and alcohol test
each covered employee whose performance either contributed to the accident or
cannot be completely discounted as a contributing factor to the accident or
incident. Operators must make the determination of employee contribution to the
accident or incident promptly to meet the timelines for testing required by the
regulations. This was further emphasized by the National Transportation Safety
Board (NTSB) in its report of the September 9, 2010, incident in San Bruno,
California.
For a copy of ADB-2012-02, contact Jessica Roger.