Important Safety Information. for Emergency Response Personnel

Transcription

1 Important Safety Information for Emergency Response Personnel 2014

2 Know What s at Stake The most efficient and safest way to transport natural gas and oil across our nation is through a system of underground pipelines. In the unlikely event of a pipeline emergency, it is vital that you, as an emergency responder, understand the proper steps to protect your community. Knowing where pipelines are located, recognizing unauthorized activity or abnormal conditions and knowing how to react in the event of a pipeline incident will help protect these integral parts of our country s energy infrastructure. OPERATING AREAS Access Active Areas Access Operating States Access Midstream provides four key links to the natural gas and petroleum value chain across 9 states: Gathering/Transportation Compressing/Pumping Processing Treating Access 24-hour Emergency Number: To ensure safe operations, we monitor our pipelines 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. In addition, we treat corrosion threats, conduct regular patrols and perform regular inspections of our pipelines and related rights-of-way (ROW). We also provide free pipeline safety training for local emergency responders. For more information about pipeline safety and response guides, to request additional information or training, or to request our emergency response plan, integrity management plan or maps showing pipeline assets in your area, contact PublicAwareness@AccessMidstream.com or The National Pipeline Mapping System (NPMS) includes information on hazardous liquid pipelines and natural gas transmission pipelines. To view the transmission pipelines in your area, visit npms.phmsa.dot.gov. Please note: this site does not currently map gas gathering or distribution pipelines.

3 Hazardous Material Quick Guide The following table outlines the characteristics of some common products transported by pipeline. PRODUCT LEAK TYPE VAPORS HEALTH HAZARDS FIRE HAZARDS ERG 115 Guide Natural Gas Gas Lighter than air Extremely high concentrations may cause irritation or asphyxiation Extremely flammable and easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames ERG 115 Guide Propane or Butane Liquid/ Gas Heavier than air Respiratory tract irritant; may cause central nervous system effects Extremely flammable liquid or vapor; vapors are heavier than air and may accumulate in low areas and travel considerable distance to ignition source ERG 128 Guide Crude Oil/ Condensate Gasoline, Diesel, Jet Fuel, Heating Oil or Transmix Liquid Heavier than air Possible presence of H 2 S, a toxic gas Irritating to eyes and skin; vapors at high concentration may cause central nervous system effects Extremely flammable liquid or vapor; vapors are heavier than air and may accumulate in low areas and travel considerable distance to ignition source ERG 117 Guide Hydrogen Sulfide (H 2 S) Gas Heavier than air High concentrations may paralyze sense of smell and be fatal Flammable; vapors are heavier than air and will settle, particularly in lowlying areas Important Resource The Emergency Response Guide (ERG) can be viewed or purchased at hazmat.dot.gov. Please PublicAwareness@AccessMidstream.com for specific commodities in your area. Use Your Senses Although pipeline leaks are uncommon, it is important to be able to recognize the warning signs using sight, smell and sound. Note: all of these signs may not be evident at the same time. Discolored or dead vegetation Flames coming from the ground A cloud of vapor, fog or mist A pool of liquid on the ground or bubbling in a wet, flooded area Dirt blowing in the air A rainbow or sheen on the water An unusual odor or scent of gas, petroleum liquids or a slight hydrocarbon smell natural gas is primarily odorless in gathering and transmission pipelines until the rotten egg smell (mercaptan) is added prior to local distribution An unusual hissing or roaring noise coming from a pipeline

4 When Responding to a Pipeline Emergency Control the Release In the event of a pipeline incident or emergency, contact the pipeline operator before taking action - there may be unknown conditions that could put you and others at risk. If the operator is unknown, look for a phone number on the nearest pipeline marker sign. Vapor Control Be aware of flammability and toxicity hazards Do not ignite a vapor cloud Only qualified pipeline personnel should operate their valves and equipment Be conscious of buildings or structures that are ventilated by force this type of ventilation can increase the amount of vapors in the air, resulting in higher concentrations of flammable gases Be aware of storm drains, grates or other belowground cavities or areas that may contain large amounts of migrated gases or vapors Fire Control Do not extinguish the primary fire as this can cause re-ignition Wait for the pipeline operator to shut off the product flow Protect secondary exposures and coordinate isolation operations with pipeline personnel to limit the spread of the fire CAUTION Natural gas or hydrocarbon vapor may collect and could explode if reignited by a secondary fire. Assess the Situation Approach with caution from an upwind location Do not park over manholes, storm drains or low areas Do not drive or walk into vapor clouds or puddles of liquid Eliminate ignition sources such as: Mechanized tools Vehicle engines Cell phones Matches/lighters Emergency radios Light switches Identify Pipeline product and the nature of the incident Possible exposures Environmental conditions Unique safety hazards and considerations Whether the pipeline can be isolated The potential for serious incidents Wildland Fires Before cutting or digging a fire line, call 811 to put pipeline operators in the vicinity on standby. Buried pipelines, and aboveground facilities and equipment could be in the path of the fire. Natural Disaster Response Before removing debris caused by a natural disaster, such as a flood, tornado or ice storm, contact 811 to identify the location of pipelines or other underground utilities that may have been impacted, or could be during clean-up. Establish Site Control Employ the Incident Command System (ICS) approach that: Integrates facilities, equipment, personnel, procedures and communications operating within a common organizational structure Enables a coordinated response among various jurisdictions, public and private agencies, and the pipeline company Establishes common processes for planning and managing resources Expands into a Unified Command (UC) as the incident escalates

5 Isolate and Secure the Area Identify and contact the pipeline operator, if not already contacted by dispatch Only allow entry to authorized pipeline personnel and emergency responders Stage apparatus and equipment based on atmospheric monitoring and weather conditions Determine: Is there a fire, spill or leak? Is there a vapor cloud? What are the weather conditions? What is the terrain like? Who and what is at risk? People Environment Property What actions should be coordinated with the operator? What resources are available? What can be done immediately? Protect the Public Employ public protective action Establish isolation zones Rescue and evacuate people quickly and cautiously, if necessary Secure the area Set barricades, as required 911 Dispatch Safety Tips 911 dispatch plays a critical role in effective response to pipeline incidents. When taking an emergency call related to a suspected pipeline incident, the dispatcher should: Ask for the pipeline company information, if known product, phone number and characteristics of any product being released Take the caller s name and callback number, with area code Gather as much information as possible on the incident location Determine if the caller is in immediate danger Warn the caller of any potential ignition sources Advise the caller to warn others to stay away Notify emergency responders, if possible, of the: Appropriate response to the product Wind direction and speed Current and future environmental conditions Contact information for the pipeline company For more detailed information, visit Train Derailment When a train derailment incident occurs there is potential for damage to aboveground valve sites and buried pipelines. If a derailment incident occurs, please contact the operator and 811 immediately. Working Together When pipeline representatives arrive, they should identify themselves, establish contact with the incident commander and may request continued assistance with evacuation, traffic control and area security. The pipeline representatives will ensure the safety of people and the environment by: Shutting down the pipeline Closing valves to isolate the product Identifying hazardous areas Dispatching additional company personnel to the scene Making provisions to repair the damaged pipeline

6 Call Before You Dig By law, people performing excavation or construction activities are required to call to 72-hours before beginning work (varies by state). If Access operates pipeline in the vicinity, we will be notified and will locate and mark our pipeline with temporary flags or spray paint before you dig. High Consequence Area High Consequence Areas (HCA) for natural gas transmission pipelines represent highly populated areas where a pipeline incident could cause considerable harm to people and property. HCA sites are identified by: An outside area or open structure that is occupied by 20 or more persons on at least 50 days in any 12-month period. Examples include playgrounds, recreational facilities, campgrounds, outdoor theaters or stadiums. An indoor area that is occupied by 20 or more persons on at least five days a week for 10 weeks in any 12-month period. Examples include religious facilities, office buildings, community centers, general stores or 4-H facilities. A facility occupied by people who are confined, are of impaired mobility or would be difficult to evacuate. Examples include hospitals, prisons, schools or child care, retirement or assisted-living facilities. To report an existing HCA, contact SiteIdentification@AccessMidstream.com and provide the site name, type of site and location. How You Can Help Become familiar with pipelines and facilities in your area. Look for pipeline marker signs, and fence signs at gated entrances. Pipeline markers and warning signs are placed wherever needed to indicate the presence of a pipeline, including river, railroad and street crossings and other heavily congested areas. These markers do not, however, show the exact location, depth, pressure or number of pipelines. Also, remember that pipelines do not always follow a straight path. Be familiar with these permanent markers that indicate the: Material transported in the pipeline Name of the pipeline operator Telephone number where the operator can be reached in an emergency PHMSA Code of Federal Regulations Part designates HCA for liquid pipelines as Unusually Sensitive Areas (USA). These sites include: Commercially navigable waterways High population or other populated areas Primary or alternative drinking water sources, ecological resources, wetlands or areas inhabited by threatened and endangered species Keep a record of the operator name, contact information and any pipeline information from marker and facility signs near you. Keep this information in a permanent location near the telephone or as a contact on your mobile phone so that it s readily available in the event of an emergency. Be aware of people acting suspiciously near pipeline facilities. Report unusual or suspicious activity, including: People or vehicles loitering in the vicinity of pipelines or facilities People taking photos, video or showing other unusual interest in pipelines or facilities A strong odor or fluid leaking from a vehicle located near a pipeline or facility

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8 P.O. Box 3151 Wichita, KS PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID BLS Emergency Responder Pipeline Safety Survey Please take a few moments to complete the following survey questions. Your participation allows us to measure your overall understanding of pipeline safety and helps us continuously improve our communication. Either return your survey by mail or take the survey online at AccessMidstream.com/Survey. 1. Do you know how to recognize a pipeline incident? Yes No 2. Do you know how to recognize a pipeline location or right-of-way? Yes No 3. Would you know what to do if your organization received a 911 report of a natural gas or petroleum leak right now? Yes No 4. Does your organization have a response plan or SOP for responding to a pipeline incident? Yes No 5. Has your agency performed any practical training (hands on, mock drill, tabletop) on how to respond to a pipeline emergency? Yes No 6. Would you know what to do if you witnessed someone acting suspiciously around a pipeline or pipeline facility? Yes No 7. Are you aware of any natural gas or petroleum pipelines running through the community you serve? Yes No 8. Are you aware of the National Pipeline Mapping System ( Yes No 9. Was this information you received helpful? Yes No 10. Would you like to receive additional information about our safety program? Yes No 11. Please provide your name, organization name, phone number and . Name Organization Phone Number Address * We respect your privacy and will not sell or share your information with any outside party. Thank You!