[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 148 (Tuesday, August 3, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 45696-45697]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-18947]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
[Docket No. PHMSA-2010-0194]
Pipeline Safety: Personal Electronic Device Related Distractions
AGENCY: Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA);
DOT.
ACTION: Notice; Issuance of Advisory Bulletin.
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SUMMARY: PHMSA is issuing an Advisory Bulletin to remind owners and
operators of natural gas and hazardous liquid pipeline facilities of
the risks associated with the use of personal electronic devices (PEDs)
by individuals performing operations and maintenance activities on a
pipeline facility.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cameron Satterthwaite by phone at 202-
366-1319 or by e-mail at [email protected]. General
information about the Department of Transportation initiative on
distracted driving may be found at http://www.distractions.gov.
Information about PHMSA may be found at http://phmsa.dot.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The U.S. Department of Transportation is leading the effort to end
the dangerous practice of distracted driving on our nation's roadways
and in other modes of transportation. The use of PEDs, such as cellular
telephones and mobile computers, while operating motor vehicles has
been the subject of recent Departmental regulations and guidance.
(e.g., Restrictions on Railroad Operating Employees' Use of Cellular
Telephones and Other Electronic Devices, 75 FR 9754, May 18, 2010;
Limiting the Use of Wireless Communication Devices, 75 FR 16391, April
1, 2010.) In furtherance of this effort, PHMSA recognizes that the use
of PEDs by pipeline employees who are performing operations and
maintenance activities may pose a similar risk to safety if those
individuals are distracted, especially when such use is for personal
business.
The Federal pipeline safety regulations in 49 CFR Parts 190 through
199 prescribe minimum safety standards for pipeline transportation and
for pipeline facilities. Owners and operators of natural gas and
hazardous liquid pipeline facilities are required to have and follow
written procedures for safely conducting operations and maintenance
tasks. (49 CFR 192.605, 193.2503, and 195.402) Individuals performing
those tasks, particularly activities that affect the operation or
integrity of the pipeline facility, must be qualified under a program
developed by each operator that ensures individuals are trained and
have the knowledge, skills, and ability necessary to perform the tasks
safely and to recognize and react to abnormal conditions. (49 CFR
192.805, 193.2707, and 195.505.)
There may be increased risks associated with the use of PEDs by
personnel performing pipeline activities affecting operation or
integrity. Pipeline operations and maintenance tasks require a critical
level of attention and skill, which may be compromised by visual,
manual, or cognitive distractions caused by the use of PEDs. Such
distractions may also hinder their prompt recognition and reaction to
abnormal operating conditions and emergencies.
PHMSA recommends that operators integrate into their written
procedures for operations and maintenance appropriate controls
regarding the use of PEDs by individuals performing pipeline tasks that
may affect pipeline operation or integrity. PHMSA is not discouraging
the use of PEDs as a part of normal business operations. PHMSA
[[Page 45697]]
also recommends that operators provide guidance and training for all
personnel about the risks associated with the use of PEDs while
driving, and while performing activities on behalf of the company if
that use poses a risk to safety.
Advisory Bulletin (ADB-10-06)
To: Owners and Operators of Hazardous Liquid and Natural Gas
Pipeline Systems.
Subject: Personal Electronic Device (PED) Related Distractions.
Advisory: As with other modes of transportation, PHMSA recognizes
the use of PEDs by pipeline employees who are performing operations and
maintenance activities may increase safety risks if those individuals
become distracted. In furtherance of the Department's effort to end the
dangerous practice of distractions caused by PEDs throughout the
various modes of transportation, PHMSA is issuing this Advisory
Bulletin about the potential for distractions affecting pipeline
safety.
PHMSA reminds owners and operators of natural gas and hazardous
liquid pipeline facilities that there may be increased risks associated
with the use of PEDs by individuals performing activities that affect
pipeline operation or integrity. Pipeline operations and maintenance
tasks require a critical level of attention and skill, which may be
compromised by visual, manual, and cognitive distractions caused by the
use of PEDs. Such distractions may also hinder their prompt recognition
and reaction to abnormal operating conditions and emergencies.
Owners and operators of natural gas and hazardous liquid pipeline
facilities should integrate into their written procedures for
operations and maintenance appropriate controls regarding the personal
use of PEDs by individuals performing pipeline tasks that may affect
the operation or integrity of a pipeline. PHMSA is not discouraging the
use of PEDs as a part of normal business operations. Owners and
operators should also provide guidance and training for all personnel
about the risks associated with the use of PEDs while driving and while
performing activities on behalf of the company if that use poses a risk
to safety.
Issued in Washington, DC, on July 27, 2010.
Jeffrey D. Wiese,
Associate Administrator for Pipeline Safety.
[FR Doc. 2010-18947 Filed 8-2-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-60-P