New PHMSA Proposal Aims to Mitigate Pipeline Ruptures

On February 6, PHMSA proposed a rule to revise the pipeline safety regulations for newly constructed and entirely replaced onshore natural gas transmission and hazardous liquid pipelines.

The proposed rule would require installation of remotely controlled or automatic shut off valves (or equivalent technologies) on newly constructed natural gas and hazardous liquid pipelines. The rule would also require this technology to be installed on pipelines that are being entirely replaced.

Under the proposed rule, new or replaced pipelines with a diameter greater than six inches will require new technology. In addition, leak detection systems on pipelines must be capable of closing valves to isolate a rupture within 40 minutes.

The proposed rule aims to satisfy congressional mandates in the Pipeline Safety Act of 2011. The rulemaking also encompasses recommendations from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Government Accountability Office (GAO).

See DOT’s official announcement of the newly proposed pipeline rule here.

Hazardous Materials Training for Shippers 

US DOT requires hazmat training for all employees who can impact the safety of hazardous materials in transport. Training must be provided when the hazmat employee is hired and repeated once every three years thereafter (49 CFR 172.704).

At Lion.com/Hazmat, find workshops, online courses, and live webinars to  help your organization meet DOT hazmat training mandates. Lion offers courses for highway, rail, air, and vessel shippers that are updated throughout the year to keep pace with the latest regulations.

For experienced hazmat professionals, Lion will present the one-day Recurrent Hazmat Ground Shipper Certification Workshop in Sparta, NJ on April 29.
 

Tags: DOT, hazmat transportation, new rules, PHMSA, pipeline