As part of an effort to periodically update the pipeline safety regulations RSPA has issued a final rule to incorporate most of the recent editions of the voluntary consensus standards and specifications referenced in the Federal pipeline safety regulations.
These changes allow pipeline operators to utilize the most current technology, materials, and industry practices in the design, construction, and operation of their pipelines. This rule also increases the design pressure limitation for new thermoplastic pipe, allows the use of plastic pipe for certain bridge applications, increases the time period for revision of maximum allowable operating pressure after a change in class location, clarifies welding requirements, and makes various other editorial clarifications and corrections. This final rule does not require pipeline operators to undertake any significant new pipeline safety initiatives. For a list of these regulation changes, e-mail Laura Wager or call at 1-888-727-9937.
For more information, contact Gopala K. Vinjamuri by telephone at (202) 366-4503, by fax at (202) 366-4566, by e-mail at gopla.vinjamuri@rspa.dot.gov, or by mail at U.S. Department of Transportation, RSPA/Office of Pipeline Safety, Room 7128, 400 Seventh Street, SW, Washington, DC 20590-0001.