# Porter Graphics, Inc. — Pipeline Safety Interpretation

- **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:** Not available
- **summary:** PI-96-017 response to Porter Graphics, Inc. concerning 192.707.
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- **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:**

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U.S. Department
of Transportation
Research and
Special Programs
Administration
Jul 24 1996
Mr. Allan Porter
Vice-President
Porter Graphics, Inc.
P.O. Box 311568
New Braunfels, TX 78131-1568
Dear Mr. Porter:
Thank you for your letter inquiring about the required print size for gas and hazardous liquid pipeline
Your letter indicates that the strokes on some of the letters in your font are slightly less than
markers. 1/4 inch.
Federal regulations state that gas pipeline markers must display critical words, such as "Warning Gas
Pipeline," in letters "at least one inch high with one-quarter inch stroke" (49 CFR 192.707(d)(1)).
Regulations for hazardous liquid pipeline markers, require that critical words must be printed in letters "at
least one inch high with an approximate stroke of one-quarter inch" (49 CFR 195.410(a)(2)(I)). The
language is identical except for the use of the word "approximate" in the liquid regulations.
In responding to previous requests for interpretation on this issue, we have stated that fonts containing
strokes less than 1/4" in width could not be used on gas pipeline markers. However, we are increasingly
aware that the inflexibility of this regulation places an unnecessary burden on both operators and firms
which manufacture these markers.
Moreover, the President's Regulatory Reinvention Initiative directs federal agencies to review its
regulations in order to identify those which are unduly restrictive or unnecessary. The Office of Pipeline
Safety has already begun this process. Accordingly, we intend to amend 192.707(d) to make it consistent
with 195.410(a)(2)(ii) to provide more flexibility in meeting the pipeline marker requirements. We are
directing our field staff to suspend enforcement of 192.707(d) until this change is effected.
In light of the pending change, your font may be used for critical words on gas pipeline markers. I hope
you find this information helpful. Please call me at (202) 366-4595 if you need any further assistance.
Sincerely,
Cesar DeLeon
Deputy Associate Administrator
for Pipeline Safety
96-07-24 (Part 192).doc (sw/05/19/99) 192.707(d)
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