Customer Notification [49 CFR 192.16]

(A)A. This Section applies to each operator of a service line who does not maintain the customer's buried piping up to entry of the first building downstream, or, if the customer's buried piping does not enter a building, up to the principal gas utilization equipment or the first fence (or wall) that surrounds that equipment. For the purpose of this Section, customer's buried piping does not include branch lines that serve yard lanterns, pool heaters, or other types of secondary equipment. Also, maintain means monitor for corrosion according to §2117 if the customer's buried piping is metallic, survey for leaks according to §2923, and if an unsafe condition is found, shut off the flow of gas, advise the customer of the need to repair the unsafe condition, or repair the unsafe condition. [49 CFR 192.16(a)]#

(B)B. Each operator shall notify each customer once in writing of the following information. [49 CFR 192.16(b)]#

(1)1. The operator does not maintain the customer's buried piping. [49 CFR 192.16(b)(1)]#

(2)2. If the customer's buried piping is not maintained, it may be subject to the potential hazards of corrosion and leakage. [49 CFR 192.16(b)(2)]#

(3)3. Buried gas piping should be: [49 CFR 192.16(b)(3)]#

(a)a. periodically inspected for leaks; [49 CFR 192.16(b)(3)(i)]#

(b)b. periodically inspected for corrosion if the piping is metallic; and [49 CFR 192.16(b)(3)(ii)]#

(c)c. repaired if any unsafe condition is discovered. [49 CFR 192.16(b)(3)(iii)]#

(4)4. When excavating near buried gas piping, the piping should be located in advance, and the excavation done by hand. [49 CFR 192.16(b)(4)]#

(5)5. The operator (if applicable), plumbing contractors, and heating contractors can assist in locating, inspecting, and repairing the customer's buried piping. [49 CFR 192.16(b)(5)]#

(C)C. Each operator shall notify each customer not later than August 14, 1996 or 90 days after the customer first receives gas at a particular location, whichever is later. However, operators of master meter systems may continuously post a general notice in a prominent location frequented by customers. [49 CFR 192.16(c)]#

(D)D. Each operator must make the following records available for inspection by the administrator or a state agency participating under 49 U.S.C. 60105 or 60106: [49 CFR 192.16(d)]#

(1)1. a copy of the notice currently in use; and [49 CFR 192.16(d)(1)#

(2)2. evidence that notices have been sent to customers within the previous three years. [49 CFR 192.16(d)(2)]#

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 30:501 et seq.#

HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Department of Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, LR 24:1307 (July 1998), amended LR 27:1537 (September 2001), LR 30:1228 (June 2004).#