NTSB Safety Recommendation P-89-005

NTSB safety recommendation P-89-005.

THE NTSB RECOMMENDS THAT THE RESEARCH AND SPECIAL PROGRAMS ADMINISTRATION: REQUIRE PIPELINE OPERATORS THAT HAVE "ALL CLEAR CHECK VALVES" MANUFACTURED BY THE WHEATLEY COMPANY INSTALLED IN THEIR PIPELINE SYSTEMS TO TEST THESE VALVES FOR PROPER CLOSURE AND REQUIRE THE REPLACEMENT OF ANY THAT FAIL TO CLOSE PROPERLY. (URGENT)

Priority: CLASS I

Overall Status: Closed - Unacceptable Action

Issued Date: 1989-08-09

Adopted Date: 1989-08-09

Overall Date Closed: 1990-04-12

Synopsis: ON MAY 12, 1989, A SOUTHERN PACIFIC TRANSPORTATION COMPANY (SP) FREIGHT TRAIN DERAILED IN SAN BERNARDINO, CALIFORNIA, WITH PORTIONS OF THE ENGINES AND RAIL CARS COMING TO REST OVER A 14-INCH PRODUCTS PIPELINE BEING OPERATED BY CALNEV PIPELINE COMPANY (CALNEV) IN EXCESS OF 1,600 PSIG. AFTER LEARNING OF THE DERAILMENT, CALNEV PERSONNEL STOPPED PUMPING PRODUCT THROUGH THE PIPELINE. PRESSURE IN THE PIPELINE NEAR MILEPOST 6.8, THE AREA OF THE DERAILMENT, WAS REDUCED TO ABOUT 1,100 PSIG WHEN THE PUMPS WERE SHUT DOWN; HOWEVER, CALNEV PERSONNEL DESIRED TO REDUCE THE PRESSURE TO ABOUT 300 PSIG TO PROVIDE GREATER SAFETY IN THE EVENT THAT IS PIPELINE HAD BEEN DAMAGED.

Ntsbnumber: DCA89MR004

Report Number: RAR-90-02

Addressee Name: RSPA

Addressee Status: Closed - Unacceptable Action

Addressee Date Closed: 1990-04-12

Addressee Acronym: RSPA

Addressee Organization Type: G-Federal Government

Communication Date: 1990-04-12

Communication Type: Official Correspondence

Communication Contents: Safety Recommendation P-89-5 discusses the need for pipeline operators that have "All-Clear Check Valves" manufactured by the Wheatley Company installed in their pipeline systems to test these valves for proper closure and require the replacement of any valves that fail to close properly. We acknowledge the effort made by the Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA) in publishing an Alert Notice to pipeline operators outlining action they should take regarding the testing and replacement, if necessary, of these particular check valves. . The publication of an Alert Notice does not fulfill the requirements of Safety recommendation P-89-5, however, because it does not require any action by the pipeline operators. The Safety Board classified this safety recommendation "Class I, Urgent Action" and expected the RSPA to immediately require, by issuing a Hazardous Facility Order pursuant to 49 CFR 190.233 or similar action, the testing of all the aforementioned check valves currently installed in pipelines around the country. In view of the RSPA's response, and the urgent nature of this Safety Recommendation, it has been placed in a "Closed--Unacceptable Action" status. However, we still urge the RSPA to take the recommended action.

Addressee Acronym: RSPA

Addressee Organization Type: G-Federal Government

Communication Date: 1989-11-13

Communication Type: Official Correspondence

Communication Contents: AN ALERT BULLETIN HAS BEEN ISSUED THAT ALERTS ALL HAZARDOUS LIQUID PIPELINE OPERATORS TO TEST IN CRITICAL LOCATIONS ALL CHECK VALVES FOR PROPER CLOSURE AND RECOMMENDS THE REPLACEMENT OF ANY CHECK VALVE THAT FAILS TO CLOSE PROPERLY. ALSO, THE ADVISORY RECOMMENDS THAT VALVES LOCATED IN NONCRITICAL AREAS BE INSPECTED FOR OPERATION AT THE FIRST OPPORTUNITY THE VALVES CAN BE BYPASSED OR OTHERWISE TAKEN OUT OF OPERATIONAL SERVICE.