NTSB Safety Recommendation P-73-039

NTSB safety recommendation P-73-039.

THE NTSB RECOMMENDS THAT THE OFFICE OF PIPELINE SAFETY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION: IN COOPERATION WITH THE VARIOUS STATE REGULATORY AGENCIES, ENCOURAGE GAS DISTRIBUTION OPERATORS TO REVIEW THE FACTORS THAT CAUSE FAILURES IN CAST IRON MAINS IN THEIR SYSTEMS, AND TO TAKE NECESSARY ACTION TO REDUCE THE HAZARD TO THE PUBLIC.

Priority: CLASS II

Overall Status: Closed - Acceptable Action

Issued Date: 1973-08-24

Adopted Date: 1973-08-16

Overall Date Closed: 1976-07-20

Synopsis: A GAS EXPLOSION OCCURRED ON AUGUST 31, 1972 IN THE ANNEX BUILDING OF AN ATLANTA, GA., HIGH SCHOOL. GAS HAD LEAKED INTO THE BUILDING FROM A CRACKED CAST-IRON MAIN LOCATED BENEATH THE STREET IN FRONT OF THE ANNEX. ATLANTA GAS LIGHT COMPANY (AGL) PERSONNEL ARRIVED AT THE LEAK SITE APPROXIMATELY 1 HOUR AFTER AGL WAS FIRST NOTIFIED OF THE LEAK AND APPROXIMATELY 1/2 HOUR BEFORE THE EXPLOSION. ONE PERSON DIED AND SEVEN OTHERS WERE INJURED AS A RESULT OF THE ACCIDENT.

Ntsbnumber: PLD72XR005

Report Number: PAR-73-03

Addressee Name: RSPA

Addressee Status: Closed - Acceptable Action

Addressee Date Closed: 1976-07-20