NTSB Safety Recommendation P-82-012

NTSB safety recommendation P-82-012.

THE SAFETY BOARD IS CONCERNED THAT THERE IS POTENTIAL FOR SIMILAR ACCIDENTS DURING HYDROSTATIC TESTS, SINCE GAS TRANSMISSION PIPELINES ARE OFTEN UPDATED TO ACCOMMODATE INCREASING DEMANDS. THEREFORE, THE NTSB RECOMMENDS THAT THE RESEARCH AND SPECIAL PROGRAMS ADMINISTRATION OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION: EMPHASIZE TO ITS REGIONAL FIELD OFFICE PERSONNEL AND STATE AGENTS THE IMPORTANCE OF REQUIRING ALL NATURAL GAS OPERATORS TO ESTABLISH HYDROSTATIC TEST PROCEDURES TO ASSURE COMPLIANCE WITH 49 CFR 192.751.

Priority: CLASS II

Overall Status: Closed - Acceptable Action

Issued Date: 1982-05-13

Adopted Date: 1982-04-26

Overall Date Closed: 1984-01-30

Synopsis: ON NOVEMBER 30, 1981, AT FLATWOODS, WEST VIRGINIA, GAS, LEAKING INTO A TEST SECTION OF A 26-INCH-DIAMETER GAS TRANSMISSION PIPELINE OWNED AND OPERATED BY COLUMBIA GAS TRANSMISSION CORPORATION (COLUMBIA), IGNITED AS A WELDER ENGAGED IN INSTALLING AN END CAP PLACED A TACK WELD ON THE EAST END OF A 180-FOOT-LONG SECTION OF PIPE. THE RESULTANT EXPLOSION BLEW OFF THE EAST END CAP, WHICH STRUCK AND KILLED THE WELDER'S HELPER.

Probable Cause: None

Ntsbnumber: DCA82FP001

Report Number: None

Addressee Name: RSPA

Addressee Status: Closed - Acceptable Action

Addressee Date Closed: 1984-01-30

Addressee Acronym: RSPA

Addressee Organization Type: G-Federal Government

Communication Date: 1982-05-24

Communication Type: Official Correspondence

Communication Contents: RSPA MEMO FROM ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PAULLIN TO RSPA REGION CHIEFS: PLEASE REVIEW THE ATTACHED NTSB REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 192.751 WITH YOUR STAFF AND WITH EACH STATE AGENCY IN YOUR REGION. ALL INSPECTORS ARE TO BE INSTRUCTED TO COMPLY WITH THE NTSB RECOMMENDATION BY REVIEWING OPERATORS' OPERATING AND MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES FOR INCLUSION OF A PROCEDURE FOR SAFE WELDING OR CUTTING ON ANY PIPE THAT HAS ANY POSSIBILITY OF CONTAINING GAS. IF SUCH A PROVISION IS NOT FOUND IN THE O&M PLAN, THE OPERATOR SHOULD BE ADVISED. THE ASME GUIDE FOR GAS TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION PIPING SYSTEMS CONTAINS GUIDE MATERIAL SUITABLE FOR MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 192.751. THIS ITEM WILL BE DISCUSSED AT OUR REGIONAL CHIEFS' MEETING IN JUNE AND THE FALL FEDERAL/STATE MEETINGS.

Addressee Acronym: RSPA

Addressee Organization Type: G-Federal Government

Communication Date: 1984-01-30

Communication Type: Official Correspondence

Addressee Acronym: RSPA

Addressee Organization Type: G-Federal Government

Communication Date: 1982-05-26

Communication Type: Official Correspondence