DP Toolbox

DP Toolbox

Scope

The toolbox is a collection of damage prevention shared learnings and practices for onshore, hazardous liquid transmission pipeline operation. The learnings and practices outlined may be utilized by an operator as information to be considered when analyzing, reviewing and/or modifying existing procedures. It is not intended to be utilized as a recommended practice or basis for regulation.

Documents and Examples

The toolbox contains contributions from multiple transmission operators. Each topic is an overview of the industry’s shared learnings and practices and may include forms, reports procedures, correspondence, and other relevant materials. Operator anonymity has been maintained by removing company specific identifiers.

Operator Qualification/Training Qualification/Covered Tasks

The toolbox does not address specific operator qualification requirements, training requirements, or covered tasks. Operator qualification or training qualification for some toolbox topics may be required. Your company’s operator qualification/training program should be consulted to determine what tasks performed are covered tasks and the qualification/training requirements.

Evolution of the Toolbox

The committee of liquids pipeline damage prevention specialists who compiled this toolbox anticipate that it will grow and evolve as additional topics, suggestions, and materials are received. Various topics are currently under development. The update schedule for overall Toolbox has not yet been established.

Excavation Damage Prevention Toolbox Topics

Excavation Job Planning

This document contains items to consider when developing a job plan to excavate safely around underground facilities. Operators have various methods or procedures within their organization that describes or define how pipeline excavation projects should be planned and conducted.

Crossing and Encroachment Agreements and Correspondence

This purpose of this document is to share learning’s of operators relating to requirements in agreements for allowing utilities/roads/structures within the pipeline right-of-way (ROW). It provides examples of crossing and encroachment agreements, correspondence and other related documents provided by Operators. Operators must evaluate content and consider company requirements, policies and procedures prior to issuing for company use.

Excavation Monitoring and Observation

This document contains items to consider when developing a process to monitor or observe excavation activity after a one-call ticket has been analyzed and the excavation may pose a risk to the pipeline.

Line Locating and Temporary Marking

This purpose of this document is to share components of line locating programs with operators to ensure that underground facilities are properly identified and marked, ultimately safeguarding company facilities, employees/contractors, the public and the environment.

One-Call Notification Screening

The purpose of this document is to share learnings with pipeline operators related to the process of receiving, analyzing, and managing notifications from the State One-call Center to decide the appropriate course of action for each ticket (including whether or not a site visit investigation is warranted). Operators must refer to individual state regulations.

One-Call Notifications Response and Communication

The purpose of this document is to share learnings of pipeline operators relating to the Communication between the underground facility operator and the excavator in response to notification of planned excavation by the one-call process.

Operator One-Call Ticket Management Systems

This purpose of this document is to share an operator’s experiences with utilizing electronic Operator One-Call Ticket Management Systems. Operators should still refer to individual State Regulations through your State One-Call System.

Pipeline Depth of Cover

The purpose of this document is to share learnings from operators relating to loss of cover after original installation or relocating/ changing the profile of the existing pipeline system or segment. This document includes references to the installation of pipe in a ditch and cover over buried lines.

One-Call Quality Assurance

The purpose of this document is to share learnings of operators relating to One‐ Call Quality Assurance. One‐Call Quality Assurance is designed to identify and eliminate systematic errors through frequent review and reporting. This toolbox topic provides an operator with a platform for establishing his/her own One‐Call Quality Assurance program and a more proactive approach for assessing and optimizing damage prevention efforts related to One‐Call processes, their systems, and the people that manage them.

Line Locating Quality Assurance

The purpose of this document is to share learnings of pipeline operators relating to the Line Locating Quality Assurance Program and ROW Protection/Damage Prevention. A Line Locating Quality Assurance Program helps management ensure that the Company’s ROW Protection Program is being carried out as expected, that all persons performing line locating tasks are qualified, following the procedures and completing the documentation as required.

ROW Patrol & Response

This purpose of this document is to share learnings of operators relating to the patrolling of liquid pipeline rights‐of‐way (ROW). Each operator must, at intervals not exceeding 3 weeks, but at least 26 times each calendar year, inspect the surface conditions on or adjacent to each pipeline right‐of‐way. Methods of inspection include walking, driving, flying or other appropriate means of traversing the right of way.

ROW Usage by Landowner

This purpose of this document is to share learnings of Operators relating to landowner usage of liquids pipeline rights-of-way (ROW). This document includes some items to consider including in new or amended easements or to encourage adherence under existing agreements for safety reasons.

Unauthorized Activities

The purpose of this document is to share learnings of how pipeline operators manage unauthorized activities, encroachment and excavation near hazardous liquid pipelines.

Submit to the Toolbox

Please submit your feedback and suggestions on current and future topics as well as additional source documents to DamagePreventionToolbox@api.org

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