AGA offers pipeline safety recommendations

The American Gas Association’s (AGA) leadership has issued a series of recommendations to improve pipeline safety that includes the identification, prevention, and remediation of safety hazards.

The AGA Board of Directors recently approved a resolution recommending all members implement Pipeline Safety Management Systems (PSMS), a holistic approach to improving pipeline safety that includes the identification, prevention, and remediation of safety hazards.

“We never stop searching for new and innovative ways to enhance the safety of the natural gas delivery network,” AGA President and CEO Karen Harbert said. “Safety is at the very core of what we do and Pipeline Safety Management Systems is yet another way that America’s natural gas utilities go above and beyond to protect our employees, customers and the communities that we serve.”

The PSMS includes, among other initiatives, Leadership and Management Commitment; Management of Change processes for asset, compliance, procedure, and organizational changes; and a Corrective Action Program that logs, tracks and follows up on hazards submitted by employees and contractors.

The Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration maintains natural gas pipeline incidents have continued to decline over the past 20 years. Between 2014 and 2018, excavation damage and other outside forces were the leading causes of severe incidents on distribution systems.

The American Gas Association, founded in 1918, represents more than 200 local energy companies that deliver clean natural gas throughout the United States.