Section 2 - Line Markers for Mains and Transmission Pipelines

XYZ Utilities O&M Manual Rev. 2.0 - November 1, 2019

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1.0  PURPOSE

2.0  SCOPE

3.0  DEFINITIONS

4.0  REFERENCES

5.0  RESPONSIBILITY

6.0  PROCEDURE(S)

7.0  TRAINING/QUALIFICATIONS

8.0  PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

9.0  DOCUMENTATION/RECORDKEEPING

10.0  RELATED DOCUMENTS/FORMS

11.0  APPENDICES

1.0  PURPOSE

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This section describes the actions for placing and maintaining pipeline markers.

2.0  SCOPE

This method is to be used to identify the locations of all XYZ Utilities pipelines and for all distribution lines in Class 1 and 2 locations (as defined under 49 CFR § 192.5).

Markers are not required for transmission pipelines in Class 3 or 4 locations if placement of a marker is impractical or for distribution mains in Class 3 and 4 locations where a damage prevention program for notification and inspection is established.

3.0  DEFINITIONS

None at this time.

4.0  REFERENCES

The links below take you to the applicable federal or state regulation. The regulations will open in a new browser tab.

49 CFR 192.5, 192.707

New Hampshire Puc 506.01(q)(r)(s)

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5.0  RESPONSIBILITY

Gas Operations, Construct and Maintain or designee shall be responsible to:

Mapping/Records or designee shall:

All employees:

6.0  PROCEDURE(S)

6.1  General

1. Distribution lines in Class 1 and 2 locations (as defined under 49 CFR §192.5) are to be identified by yellow colored plastic posts with a CAUTION - NATURAL GAS PIPELINE decal affixed to each side of the post and facing the direction of the distribution line route.

2. All markers installed on XYZ Utilities facilities will meet the following specifications:

The words "Warning", "Caution", or "Danger" followed by the words "Gas Pipeline", all of which must will be in letters at least one inch high with one-quarter inch stroke on a background of sharply contrasting color-stroke.  The name of the operator and the telephone number (including area code) will be included where the operator can be reached at all times.

3. The placement and maintenance of permanent line makers shall be as specified in this procedure.

4. Exercise extreme caution during installation of post to protect pipe coating from damage.

5. Use a post hole digger to install post. Prior to installing post into the ground install the plastic anchor barb into the bottom of the post, then with a slight force insert the post into the hole forcing the barb to bend upward. The hole shall then be properly backfilled and tamped.

6. It is recommended markers be placed 1 foot east or south of the pipeline.

7. Ensure soil anchor tabs are attached to prevent unauthorized removal of the post.

8. Record the marker location on the patrol map

6.2  Location

Line Markers shall be placed as follows:

a. Below ground facilities

1. On either side of all road crossings, railroad rights-of-way, creels and bridges regardless of whether the gas line is exposed or buried.

2. All marking devices must be placed and maintained as close as practical over each buried main and transmission line. A marker should be placed at each point where the direction of the pipeline can change.

3. At reasonable intervals adjacent to roadways to be readily visible to parties who may be performing excavations near the pipeline route.

4. Located directly over the pipeline wherever possible.

b. Above ground facilities

1. Mains

2. Transmission lines

3. Pressure reducing facilities

4. Holding facilities

5. Any facility accessible to the public other than residential, commercial and industrial meter sets

State specific requirement: New Hampshire Puc 506.01(q)(r)(s)

(q) Each customer meter, gas regulating station, or any aboveground gas transporting facility shall be permanently marked to identify the operator’s name.

(r) Gas regulating stations and aboveground gas transporting facilities shall be permanently marked to identify the operator’s contact information for emergencies.

(s) Marking of facilities under (q) and (r) above shall be accomplished by metal signs, line markers, plastic decals, or other appropriate means and shall be completed by July 1, 2016.

6.3  Maintenance

When patrols are performed or during continuing surveillance, observations will be made for adequate markers, for proper location and for proper markings on the signs. All reported missing or damaged line markers are to be replaced or repaired as follows:

1. Pipeline ROW - prior to the next scheduled patrol or leak survey.

2. Distribution - at least annually.

3. ROW maintenance shall be scheduled with sufficient frequency as to assure adequate visibility of line markers at all times.

7.0  TRAINING/QUALIFICATIONS

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Massachusetts  OQ Tasks:

Task #19 – Patrolling and Inspecting Pipelines

Task #21 – Line Locating and Markout

Task #22 – Inspection of Third Party Excavations for Damage Prevention/ Cast Iron Encroachment

Task #70 - Properties of gas/abnormal operating conditions

New Hampshire OQ Tasks:

Task #19 – Patrolling and Inspecting Pipelines

Task #21 – Line Locating and Markout

Task #22 – Inspection of Third Party Excavations for Damage Prevention/ Cast Iron Encroachment

Task #70 - Properties of gas/abnormal operating conditions

Task #70P - Properties of Propane Air/abnormal operating conditions

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8.0  PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

Observe all personnel and procedural safety procedures as necessary per job requirements.

9.0  DOCUMENTATION/RECORDKEEPING

XYZ Utilities will keep records on pipeline markers in a manner applicable to each system for the life of the facility.

All forms and data sheets associated with the implementation of this instruction shall be stored with the applicable job file or electronic data base for a minimum of five years or according to the requirements of each state regulation, whichever is longer.

10.0  RELATED DOCUMENTS/FORMS

None at this time.

11.0  APPENDICES

None at this time.