NTSB Safety Recommendation P-75-013

NTSB safety recommendation P-75-013.

REVIEW AND REVISE ITS SERVICE ABANDONMENT PROCEDURES TO INSURE THAT ALL SERVICE LINES REPORTED ABANDONED HAVE BEEN CUT AND CAPPED AT THE MAIN. (URGENT)

Priority: CLASS I

Overall Status: Closed - Acceptable Action

Issued Date: 1975-10-20

Adopted Date: 1975-09-23

Overall Date Closed: 1985-07-09

Synopsis: ON JUNE 17, 1975, A HOUSE IN STROUDSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA, EXPLODED AND BURNED WHEN THE OWNER TURNED ON THE ELECTRIC STOVE. THE BLAST FROM THE EXPLOSION SEARED HIS FACE, NECK, ARMS, AND LEGS; HE WAS HOSPITALIZED FOR BURNS AND SHOCK AND DIED ON JUNE 18.

Probable Cause: The National Transportation Safety Board's investigation of the accident disclosed that gas had been leaking from a corrosion hole, 2 1/2-inches long and 1/8 inch wide, which was located in a 3/4-inch galvanized steel gas service line capped in the basement of the house.

Ntsbnumber: DCA75FP004

Report Number: None

Addressee Name: Stroudsburg Gas Company

Addressee Status: Closed - Acceptable Action

Addressee Date Closed: 1985-07-09

Addressee Organization Type: P-Private Industry

Communication Date: 1975-11-28

Communication Type: Official Correspondence

Communication Contents: LTR. FROM STROUDSBURG GAS COMPANY: AN INTENSIVE PROGRAM CUTTING OFF INACTIVE SERVICES LINES USING AN OUTSIDE CONTRACTING FIRM WAS INITIATED IN 1973. THE COMPANY IS INVESTIGATING EACH OF THESE SERVICE LINES CUT OFF SINCE JANUARY 1, 1973 USING ITS OWN PERSONNEL. THE SERVICE ENTRANCE AT EACH HOUSE IS CHECKED TO MAKE CERTAIN THERE IS NO LIVE GAS IN THE PIPE (CUT AND PLUGGED AT THE MAIN), THE SERVICE HAS BEEN CUT OFF AND PLUGGED OUTSIDE, AND AT THE BUILDING WALL. APPROXIMATELY 62% OF THIS PROGRAM HAS BEEN COMPLETED.

Addressee Organization Type: P-Private Industry

Communication Date: 1985-07-09

Communication Type: Official Correspondence