Pipeline Safety: Preventive Measures and Emergency Response
Despite recent news of incidents involving OCTG (oil country tubular goods), linepipe is statistically the safest way to carry fuels such as oil and gas across the country. Line pipes are made extra safe by the fact that they run underground. OCTG are also some of the most cost-effective ways to transport large amounts of fuel, as the fuel can be conveyed in large volume without the use of transport vehicles.
When accidents do happen, the proper actions must be taken to contain an emergency involving line pipes’ systems. Here’s a look at some of the safety measures in place for OCTG systems, as well as the steps typically taken in response to an OCTG related emergency.
What Are Line Pipes?
Line pipes carry natural resources, such as oil and gas, to refineries. Line pipes also transport the refined products to distribution terminals. Finally, in the case of natural gas, line pipes transport fuel to consumers.
Linepipe carries fuels that are highly flammable. For this reason, laws are in place governing emergency precautions and controls for OCTG.
Linepipe Safety Measures
Control Centers: Pipeline operators are required to maintain a control center. Control centers monitor the conditions of linepipe – oil temperature, flow and pressure are a few examples. In an emergency, the flow of fuel can immediately be shut off from the control center. Control center operators work with emergency personnel in the case of a leak to track it down and isolate it.
Linepipe Incident Command System (ICS): The Incident Command System dictates procedures, roles and responsibilities in the case of a linepipe emergency. This system is overseen by the National Incident Management System, which is in turn overseen by the Department of Homeland Security.
National Pipeline Mapping System: This map is maintained by the U.S. Department of Transportation. It shows the locations of the country’s line pipes. Contractors and others use the national linepipe map to avoid rupturing line pipes that are carrying fuel. Consult the map at http://www.npms.phmsa.dot.gov/ or call their number at 1-888-258-0808 before you dig.
OCTG Marker Signs: These are placed above any underground line pipes, with information on the location of the linepipe. These signs warn anyone who might dig there that OCTG systems are nearby. They also offer a 24-hour emergency phone number and valuable information for emergency responders, such as what the linepipe is carrying and operator information for the linepipe.
OCTG Right-Of-Way: OCTG systems are protected by Right of Way (ROW). This forbids permanent structures from being built within this zone.
Linepipe Emergency Procedures
The Pipeline Association for Public Awareness’ pamphlet, “Pipeline Emergencies,” outlines four steps to assess and respond to an emergency involving line pipes:
1. Evaluate the situation. Approach the area on foot, and from upwind. Gases are invisible and often odorless. Make note of weather conditions, what structures or people are at risk, whether there is a vapor cloud, and the terrain.
2. Isolate the area. The zone surrounding an OCTG incident should be evacuated of anyone but authorized personnel, such as emergency responders.
3. Follow ICS and NIMS procedures. NIMS and ICS guidelines detail emergency response procedures, such as choosing an incident commander and establishing a command post. These guidelines are provided by the Department of Homeland Security.
4. Anticipate potential hazards. Experts who are qualified to do so should then identify the potential hazards posed by the fuels carried in the line pipes.
Once the OCTG incident has been assessed, action can be taken to protect the community and environment within the site. Emergency personnel and linepipe operators can then get to the root of the problem and ensure that fuel can once again be transported safely.
