(ADB-09-02)
The
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) recently issued
Advisory Bulletin ADB-09-02 to the owners and operators of hazardous liquid and
natural gas pipelines regarding weldable compression couplings. The background
statement in the introduction to the advisory is rather lengthy, and describes
numerous factors related to a specific incident in 2007 that resulted in 2
fatalities.
Advisory: PHMSA advises operators of hazardous liquid and natural gas pipelines
installing or planning to install weldable compression couplings and similar
repair devices to follow manufacturer procedures to ensure correct
installation. In addition, PHMSA also advises these operators to follow the
appropriate safety and start-up procedures to ensure the safety of personnel
and property and protect the environment. The failure to install a weldable
compression coupling correctly, or the failure to implement and follow
appropriate safety and start-up procedures, could result in a catastrophic
pipeline failure. PHMSA strongly urges operators to review, and incorporate
where appropriate into operators’ written procedures, the manufacturer’s
installation procedures and any other necessary safety measures for safe and
reliable operation of pipeline systems.
For a complete copy of Advisory ADB-09-02, contact Jessica
Roger.