The NTSB recognizes the importance of pipeline safety in reducing risks that lead to incidents, fatalities, and injuries. Despite the fact that operators representing 85% of industry pipeline mileage have adopted PSMS, many smaller operators have yet to do so. The pipeline industry continues to face incidents that could have been prevented or mitigated if risks were more thoroughly identified and managed through PSMS.
Key Incidents
Between 2010 and 2021, the NTSB investigated four accidents where a PSMS was not in place but should have been, which underscores the importance of having one:
- Marshall, Michigan (July 25, 2010): A 30-inch-diameter pipeline ruptured, releasing over 840,000 gallons of crude oil into nearby wetlands and a creek. The rupture went unnoticed for over 17 hours. The operator did not provide emergency responders in a timely manner due to a lacking facility response plan. PSMS planning and implementation could have been identified to address the rupture sooner.
- San Bruno, California (September 9, 2010): A weld flaw in a 30-inch-diameter natural gas transmission pipeline caused a rupture in a residential area, resulting in 8 deaths, numerous injuries, and the destruction of 38 homes. A PSMS with a robust integrity management procedure could have prevented this catastrophic event.
- Merrimack Valley, Massachusetts (September 13, 2018): High-pressure natural gas was released into a low-pressure distribution system, causing fires and explosions that damaged over 130 structures. The pipeline operator lacked adequate planning and reviewing of a construction project in which a cast iron main was abandoned without relocating regulator sensing lines to the new main. Another major contributing factor was that the system did not have adequate overpressure protection. Implementing a PSMS requires a robust quality control/quality assurance process, which could have prevented this incident.
- Huntington Beach, California (October 1, 2021): San Pedro Bay Pipeline controllers received a series of leak detection systems alarms when an anchor struck their underwater pipeline and released 588 barrels of crude oil. The operators took 13 hours to troubleshoot before finally taking action to shut down operations. Emergency planning and response is a key element in implementing a PSMS, which could have reduced the overall consequences of this event.
Following the Marshall and San Bruno accidents, the NTSB recommended the development of API Recommended Practice (RP) 1173. This framework is designed specifically for pipeline operators to develop and implement a PSMS. The goal of developing this was to assist operators in defining methods for organizations to reduce the number of incidents by managing operational occupational health and safety risks. The intent is to provide a systematic way to identify hazards and control risks while maintaining assurance that risk controls remain effective.
What Can Pipeline Operators Do?
- Implement PSMS: Adopt a robust PSMS as described in API RP 1173, which provides guidance for continuous safety improvement.
- Continuous Improvement: Operators with PSMS should not be complacent but continually evolve and enhance safety programs. If there is an opportunity to adjust or improve a program or process, make it happen – learning from experience is a core value in pipeline safety and successfully implementing a PSMS.
- Review API RP 1173 Elements and Identify Gaps: A gap assessment provides the opportunity to shed light on areas that need to be better defined, need improvement, or maybe need to be developed.
- Exceed Minimum Standards: Use PSMS to ensure pipelines are designed, constructed, operated, and maintained beyond minimum safety standards, effectively reducing serious pipeline accidents each year.
Further Information
To read more about the Safety Alert SA-095, head over to NTSB’s website.
Do you have questions or need help initiating or fully implementing a PSMS in your organization? Our team of experts is standing by to help you. Reach out today to get started!
About Antea Group
Antea®Group is an environment, health, safety, and sustainability consulting firm. By combining strategic thinking with technical expertise, we do more than effectively solve client challenges; we deliver sustainable results for a better future. We work in partnership with and advise many of the world’s most sustainable companies to address ESG-business challenges in a way that fits their pace and unique objectives. Our consultants equip organizations to better understand threats, capture opportunities and find their position of strength. Lastly, we maintain a global perspective on ESG issues through not only our work with multinational clients, but also through our sister organizations in Europe, Asia, and Latin America and as a founding member of the Inogen Alliance.
