Public safety is the pipeline industry's number one priority. The men and women working at the companies that build and operate the North American interstate natural gas pipeline system have created the safest mode of energy transportation in the world today and we are committed to maintain that record.
Safety performance is a combination of robust design, construction, operation and maintenance practices by dedicated employees and contractors. Public safety is a key business driver for our companies since pipelines are integrated into many neighborhoods and the energy is integral to supports our lifestyle.
The pipeline grid provides an integrated natural gas delivery system. PHMSA has a more detailed national inventory and map of the natural gas transmission system, but it has limited access to due security concerns. Local government can obtain access to these records and the public can identify pipelines near their property by typing in their local zip code.
Natural gas pipeline professionals work closely with the U.S. Department of Transportation. DOT’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s Office of Pipeline Safety (PHMSA) is the primary safety regulator of the energy pipeline system. PHMSA’s regulations address the entire life cycle of pipelines, thus providing multiple layers of protection for the public.
The PHMSA regulations incorporate consensus standards and practices that address pipe and component manufacture, shipping practices, construction techniques, operating procedures, operator training, emergency response, oversight, enforcement and, at the end of the life cycle, abandonment. PHMSA enforces these regulations by utilizing various inspection and enforcement processes. PHMSA works cooperatively with other agencies that also have responsibilities in regulating pipeline
The natural gas transmission industry has utilized engineering codes and standards throughout the development of the natural gas infrastructure . These consensus engineering standards provide the background for the proven technical practices of the industry and have been incorporated into the pipeline safety regulations.
INGAA is proud of its member’s employees and service providers. There are extensive processes and regulatory oversight to assure that the pipeline company and service providers are qualified to perform their job and are not inhibited by alcohol or drugs. Performance measures are confirming the quality and motivation of the workforce.
The safety performance of the INGAA pipeline systems is a matter of public record and this information is constantly analyzed and used to improve performance safety. INGAA members are committed to working with their neighbors and have developed comprehensive outreach programs to people along the right of way and their local governments to educate them about natural gas transmission pipelines. PHMSA shares that same vision and has established a group for local outreach.
A safety library is under development and requires members to log on to see the collected entries.