{"operation":"document","citation":"PI-96-017","title":"Porter Graphics, Inc. — Pipeline Safety Interpretation","source_type":"guidance","agency":"Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration","status":"guidance","official":true,"published_on":"1996-07-24","effective_on":null,"summary":"PI-96-017 response to Porter Graphics, Inc. concerning 192.707.","machine_formats":{"json":"https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-pi-96-017.json","markdown":"https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-pi-96-017.md"},"app_url":"https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-pi-96-017","source_url":"https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/legacy/interpretations/Interpretation%20Files/Pipeline/1996/PI96017.pdf","body":"<<<PAGE 1>>>\n\nPage 1\nU.S. Department\nof Transportation\nResearch and\nSpecial Programs\nAdministration\nJul 24 1996\nMr. Allan Porter\nVice-President\nPorter Graphics, Inc.\nP.O. Box 311568\nNew Braunfels, TX 78131-1568\nDear Mr. Porter:\nThank you for your letter inquiring about the required print size for gas and hazardous liquid pipeline\nYour letter indicates that the strokes on some of the letters in your font are slightly less than\nmarkers. 1/4 inch.\nFederal regulations state that gas pipeline markers must display critical words, such as \"Warning Gas\nPipeline,\" in letters \"at least one inch high with one-quarter inch stroke\" (49 CFR 192.707(d)(1)).\nRegulations for hazardous liquid pipeline markers, require that critical words must be printed in letters \"at\nleast one inch high with an approximate stroke of one-quarter inch\" (49 CFR 195.410(a)(2)(I)). The\nlanguage is identical except for the use of the word \"approximate\" in the liquid regulations.\nIn responding to previous requests for interpretation on this issue, we have stated that fonts containing\nstrokes less than 1/4\" in width could not be used on gas pipeline markers. However, we are increasingly\naware that the inflexibility of this regulation places an unnecessary burden on both operators and firms\nwhich manufacture these markers.\nMoreover, the President's Regulatory Reinvention Initiative directs federal agencies to review its\nregulations in order to identify those which are unduly restrictive or unnecessary. The Office of Pipeline\nSafety has already begun this process. Accordingly, we intend to amend 192.707(d) to make it consistent\nwith 195.410(a)(2)(ii) to provide more flexibility in meeting the pipeline marker requirements. We are\ndirecting our field staff to suspend enforcement of 192.707(d) until this change is effected.\nIn light of the pending change, your font may be used for critical words on gas pipeline markers. I hope\nyou find this information helpful. Please call me at (202) 366-4595 if you need any further assistance.\nSincerely,\nCesar DeLeon\nDeputy Associate Administrator\nfor Pipeline Safety\n96-07-24 (Part 192).doc (sw/05/19/99) 192.707(d)","truncated":false,"body_characters":2141}