Tag Archives: abnormal operations

PHMSA abnormal vs. accident

May 11, 2014Explosion, Law, Leak, PHMSA, Safetyabnormal operating condition, abnormal operations, accident, American Petroleum Institute, API, damage, death, explosion, Hazard, injury, John S. Quarterman, Law, leak, loss, PHMSA, Pipeline Hazardous Materials and Safety Agency, propaganda, property, regulatory capture, Safety, SpectraBustersJohn S. Quarterman

Apparently an actual fire or explosion may (or may not) count as an accident according to PHMSA, but there’s a huge gap in PHMSA’s definitions: they don’t seem to say they apply to methane. And guess whose Public Awareness Program PHMSA requires pipeline operators to follow?

According to PHMSA’s Glossary and Definitions,

Accident
A release of the hazardous liquid or carbon dioxide transported that results in any of the following:

explosion or fire not intentionally set by the operator.
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