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In This Issue

  1. DOT Pipeline Compliance Workshop – August 7-9, 2012
  2. PHMSA Advisory Bulletin (ADB–2012–07) Mechanical Fitting Failure Reports
  3. PHMSA Pipeline Act 2011 / Section 24 Workshop July 13, 2012 – Washington, DC
  4. Introducing MaxOp*
  5. MAOP Validation Services
  6. Office of Inspector General Report about IMP Oversight
  7. Integrity Management Services
  8. PHMSA’s Request for Comments on 811 Public Service Announcement
  9. Revised Louisiana Dig Laws Effective August 1!
  10. Public Awareness Effectiveness Program Inspections
  11. Advisory Committee Meetings – July 2012
  12. Pipeline Regulations for iPhone
  13. RCP’s DOT Workshop Survey
  14. Summer / Fall Industry Conferences
  15. API Damage Prevention Workshop September 12 -13, Houston, TX

PHMSA Advisory Bulletin (ADB–2012–07) Mechanical Fitting Failure Reports

[Docket No. PHMSA–2012–0079]

The Department of Transportation/Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) issued Advisory Bulletin ADB-2012-07 to all Gas Distribution Operators regarding instructions on completing the Mechanical Fitting Failure Report Form, Leak Causes. As specified in §192.1009, operators of all gas distribution pipeline facilities are required to report the failure of any mechanical fitting that results in a hazardous leak on a Mechanical Fitting Failure Report Form (PHMSA F 7100.1–2).

The report is required for all failures regardless of the material composition, type, manufacturer, or size of the fitting. Operators are to report all mechanical fitting failures regardless of the cause. Reporting requirements also apply to failures resulting from the use of a fitting and may include failures in the body of mechanical fitting, failures in the joints between the fitting and the pipe, indications of leakage from the seals associated with the fitting, and partial or complete separation of the pipe away from the fitting.

PHMSA does not seek information related to failures of cast iron bell and spigot joints unless the leak resulted from a failure of a mechanical fitting used to repair or reinforce a joint. The apparent cause options under Part C, Question 15 (Apparent Cause of Leak) on PHMSA F 7100.1–2 contain two potential options for a failure that apparently results from incorrect installation of the mechanical fitting. One option is “Material or Welds/ Fusions” with a subcategory of “Construction/Installation Defect.” The other option is “Incorrect Operation.” PHMSA prefers that failures resulting from an installation defect be reported using “Incorrect Operation” as the apparent cause.

For a copy Advisory Bulletin ADB-2012-07, contact Jessica Roger.