NTSB Safety Recommendation P-74-020

NTSB safety recommendation P-74-020.

THE NTSB RECOMMENDS THAT THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS GAS STANDARDS COMMITTEE: EXPAND THE GUIDELINES ON THE PREVENTION OF ACCIDENTAL IGNITION, TO PROVIDE FOR MORE COMPREHENSIVE GUIDANCE TO PIPELINE OPERATORS WHEN GAS IS DETECTED IN BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES. THE GUIDELINES SHOULD INCLUDE SUCH SUBJECTS AS VENTILATION OF STRUCTURES, PROHIBITION OF ELECTRICAL SWITCH OPERATION, AND OCCUPANT EVACUATION. THIS WORK SHOULD BE COORDINATED WITH THE GUIDELINES CURRENTLY BEING DEVELOPED CONCERNING THE ACTION TO BE TAKEN BY THE FIRST GAS COMPANY EMPLOYEE ARRIVING AT THE SCENE OF AN EMERGENCY.

Priority: CLASS II

Overall Status: Closed - Acceptable Action

Issued Date: 1974-03-11

Adopted Date: 1974-02-27

Overall Date Closed: 1976-09-10

Synopsis: A gas explosion and fire occurred on December 9, 1972, in downtown Clinton, MO. Gas had leaked into a building from a cracked cast-iron main located behind the building. Missouri Public Service Company personnel arrived at the site of the reported leak 50 minutes before the explosion. Eight persons died, and seven others were injured.

Ntsbnumber: PLD73XR004

Report Number: PAR-74-03

Addressee Name: American Society of Mechanical Engineers

Addressee Status: Closed--No Longer Applicable

Addressee Date Closed: 1976-09-10

Addressee Acronym: ASME

Addressee Organization Type: A-Associations

Communication Date: 1978-05-01

Communication Type: Official Correspondence