NTSB Safety Recommendation P-76-060

NTSB safety recommendation P-76-060.

STUDY THE POSSIBLE USE, AT ITS TERMINALS AND PUMP STATIONS, OF LOCKOUT EQUIPMENT WHICH SHUTS DOWN A PIPELINE SYSTEM UNLESS ALL VALVES ARE POSITIONED PROPERLY AND FULL CLEARANCE TO OPERATE HAS BEEN OBTAINED.

Priority: CLASS II

Overall Status: Closed - Acceptable Action

Issued Date: 1976-09-17

Adopted Date: 1976-07-20

Overall Date Closed: 1977-07-29

Synopsis: ON AUGUST 2, 1975, AN 8-INCH PIPELINE WHICH WAS OWNED BY THE SUN PIPE LINE COMPANY RUPTURED IN ROMULUS, MICHIGAN. PROPANE ESCAPED FROM THE RUPTURE, SPRAYED INTO THE AIR, VAPORIZED, AND IGNITED; FLAMES 500 FEET HIGH ENGULFED A 600-FOOT-DIAMETER AREA, DESTROYED FOUR HOUSES AND DAMAGED THREE OTHERS, AND BURNED 12 VEHICLES NINE PERSONS WERE INJURED AS A RESULT OF THIS ACCIDENT.

Ntsbnumber: PLD75XR003

Report Number: PAR-76-07

Addressee Name: Sun Pipeline Company

Addressee Status: Closed--No Longer Applicable

Addressee Date Closed: 1977-07-29

Addressee Organization Type: P-Private Industry

Communication Date: 1977-03-01

Communication Type: Official Correspondence

Communication Contents: LTR. FROM SUN PIPE LINE COMPANY: OUR ENGINEERING PERSONNEL ARE CONTINUING TO STUDY THE ART OF LOCKOUT EQUIPMENT TO INSURE THAT ALL REASONABLE SAFEGUARDS SHALL BE POSITIONED AND INCORPORATED INTO THE CONTROLS AT THE INKSTER UNDERGROUND STORAGE FACILITY.