OSHA Pipeline Regulations

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) establishes the rules and regulations for the safety of workers under the authority of the United States Code (USC). OSHA guidelines for pipelines deal mostly with natural gas lines, which can present a fatal threat to both pipeline workers and the public if damaged during excavation.

Testing

• When a natural gas pipeline is laid, a hydrostatic (water pressure) test is used to ensure the integrity of the pipeline. Hydrostatic tests ensure that the pipe will not collapse, leak, or decouple when natural gas is pushed through the pipeline. When a pipeline is de-watered, couplings may separate from the pipeline, which can hit workers and cause serious or fatal injuries. Employees should be properly trained to work on de-watering operations and should understand the risks of working in this hazardous environment. According to OSHA, couplings should be properly anchored and worn couplings should be replaced before de-watering testing.

Welding

• When using an arc welder, OSHA regulation 1926.351 (c)(2) forbids welders from attaching a ground clip to pipelines that contain electrical circuits, gases or flammable liquids. A pipeline may be used as a welding ground as long as no fire or electrical hazards are present.

Notification

• According to the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002, OSHA requires all pipeline operators to contact public safety programs in order to encourage the public to notify a utility company when any excavation will occur on a homeowner's property. This program allows utility companies to mark pipelines before excavation and to notify excavators of the depths of hazardous pipelines. Public safety programs should list the dangers of accidentally damaging a pipeline.

Damage

• OSHA regulation 1926.651(b) requires contractors to notify a pipeline owner if an excavator damages a pipeline. If flammable or hazardous gases or fluids are released, the excavator must call 911 to report the incident. Contractors should contact utility companies before conducting excavation work, so that the utility companies can mark and identify underground pipelines on the job sites. Contractors should have a work plan, as well as evacuation and safety procedures in case a pipeline containing hazardous or flammable materials is damaged.

Violations

• The Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002 provides OSHA with increased jurisdiction over interstate pipelines that transport hazardous or flammable gases or liquids. Employees working for a pipeline company should be able report any safety violations or dangerous working conditions to OSHA without suffering any backlash from their employer. Pipeline employees may not be fired or harassed for reporting violations of OSHA pipeline regulations.