The American Petroleum Institute (API) has issued new guidelines for U.S. pipeline operators to help raise public awareness of their pipe systems and the potential hazards caused by third-party digging.

The guidelines, known as “Recommended Practice 1162” or “Public Awareness Programs for Pipeline Operators,” are aimed at limiting pipeline accidents, the majority of which are often due to third-party digging by homeowners, contractors and farms, API said.

In 2002, third-party damage was the second leading cause of transmission pipeline incidents, causing more than $1 million in property damage and one death, the Department of Transportation’s Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS) reported. The impact of damage caused by outside forces was even greater on distribution lines in 2002 — $17 million in property damage, two deaths and eight injuries.

RP 1162 was designed to help natural gas and hazardous liquid pipeline companies meet the sterner safety standards that were established in response to the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002.

In preparing the new guidelines, API said it collaborated with federal and state regulators and officials from natural gas and liquid transmission companies and local distribution companies (LDCs).

While pipelines are considered the safest and most economical way to transport oil and gas, pipe companies recognize that more and more homes and businesses are being located closer to pipeline systems — a trend that raises significant safety concerns. Pipe operators believe that “everyone living or working near pipelines should understand how they work, why they are important, how problems can be avoided, and what to do in the unlikely event something goes wrong,” API said in a press statement.

RP 1162 identifies the audiences that pipelines need to contact and supply with information so that they can evaluate and update their public awareness pipeline programs — such as public officials, local and state emergency response teams, and public, commercial and agricultural excavators.

API noted that the National Transportation Safety Board, which investigates major pipeline accidents, reviewed the guidelines and concluded that they met its recommendations for improved public awareness programs.

To order RP 1162 (cost $73), contact Global Engineering Documents at 800-854-7179 or at www.global.ihs.com.

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