NTSB Safety Recommendation P-88-013

NTSB safety recommendation P-88-013.

TO THE RESEARCH AND SPECIAL PROGRAMS ADMINISTRATION: Monitor the staffing levels of the certified state pipeline inspection agencies, and require staffing level increases sufficient to respond to responsibilities beyond programmed inspection activities. (Superseded by P-90-028)

Priority: CLASS II

Overall Status: Closed - Superseded

Issued Date: 1988-11-21

Adopted Date: 1988-10-25

Overall Date Closed: 1990-10-01

Synopsis: ON JANUARY 18, 1988, A NATURAL GAS EXPLOSION DESTROYED THE BUILDING HOUSING THE K&W CAFETERIA AND THE LOBBY OF THE SHERATON MOTOR INN AT 380 KNOLLWOOD STREET, WINSTON-SALEM, NORTH CAROLINA. TWO ADJOINING MOTEL WINGS SUFFERED STRUCTURAL DAMAGE. OF THE FOUR PERSONS IN THE LOBBY/ CAFETERIA BUILDING AT THE TIME OF THE EXPLOSION, THREE SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. THE FOURTH PERSON SUSTAINED A FRACTURED ANKLE. ONE MOTEL GUEST ALSO SUSTAINED MINOR CUTS BUT REFUSED TREATMENT.

Probable Cause: None

Ntsbnumber: DCA88MP008

Report Number: PAR-88-01

Addressee Name: RSPA

Addressee Status: Closed - Superseded

Addressee Date Closed: 1990-10-01

Addressee Acronym: RSPA

Addressee Organization Type: G-Federal Government

Communication Date: 1990-10-01

Communication Type: Official Correspondence

Communication Contents: The Safety Board also believes that the inadequacy of OPS resources is the primary reason for the problems previously identified in RSPA's oversight of State pipeline safety programs, in its lack of frequent and thorough inspections of pipeline operators for which OPS has sole responsibility, and in its previous reluctance to implement resource consuming enforcement actions. Although accomplishment of the objectives of Safety Recommendations P-87-28, P-88-13, and P-90-13 is needed, the Safety Board does not believe it is reasonable t o expect OPS to accomplish those objectives without adequate resources to fulfill its responsibilities. Consequently, the Safety Board has reclassified Safety Recommendations P-87-28, P-88-13, and P-90-13 as CLOSED--SUPERSEDED by Safety Recommendation P-90-28.

Addressee Acronym: RSPA

Addressee Organization Type: G-Federal Government

Communication Date: 1989-01-31

Communication Type: Official Correspondence

Communication Contents: LEVELS OF STATE PROGRAMS AS PART OF ITS ANNUAL MONITORING OF STATES PARTICIPATING IN THE STATE/FEDERAL PIPELINE SAFETY PROGRAM. OPS REQUIRES THAT EACH INSPECTION UNIT BE COMPREHENSIVELY INSPECTED AT LEAST EVERY TWO AND ONE-HALF YEARS. OPS WORKED WITH ITS STATE AGENTS TO IDENTIFY OPERATOR INSPECTION UNITS IN EACH STATE. THIS PROVIDES A BASIS FOR UNIFYING STATES' ALLOCATION EFFORT. HOWEVER, IN ORDER TO ASSURE UNIFORMITY , THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PIPELINE SAFETY REPRESENTATIVES (NAPRS) AND OPS FORMED A COMMITTEE IN THE FALL OF 1988 FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS AND GUIDELINES IN THE METHODOLOGY OF SUBDIVIDING OPERATORS, PARTICULARLY LARGE DISTRIBUTION OPERATORS INTO INSPECTION UNITS.

Addressee Acronym: RSPA

Addressee Organization Type: G-Federal Government

Communication Date: 1989-04-19

Communication Type: Official Correspondence