Pipeline Emergency Response

First Response Check list

Purpose: This information is intended to aid PSAPs in the development and implementation of emergency communications protocols pertaining to pipeline emergencies. It addresses common situations involving pipelines carrying non-toxic natural gas and hazardous liquid petroleum products.

1. LOCATION:

• Request exact location of the incident (structure addresses, street names, intersections, directional identifiers, mile posts, etc.) and obtain caller information.

2. DETERMINE EXACTLY WHAT HAS HAPPENED:

• Common signs of a pipeline leak are indicated in the chart below. If any of these conditions are reported, THIS IS A PIPELINE EMERGENCY.

3. IS THE CALLER IN IMMEDIATE DANGER?

1. If the caller is inside a building and is reporting:

An immediate directive shall be given to evacuate the building, tell the caller to:

• Avoid any action that might create a spark:

• Do NOT start a vehicle – abandon all vehicles and equipment
• Do NOT turn on or off lights
• Do NOT open or close windows
• Do NOT attempt to shut any valves
• Do NOT hang up the phone – just set it down
• Do NOT carry a cordless phone with you – just set it down
• Do NOT use cell phones until you are in a safe location away from the leak

• Evacuate the building and walk at least two city blocks or approximately 1000 feet (300 meters) away (in an upwind direction, if possible). Please remember do NOT hang up the phone – just set it down
• Alert others to evacuate the building and keep people away
• Wait for responders to arrive.
• If the situation worsens or changes in any way, and it is safe to do so, call 9-1-1 again.

2. If the caller is within two city blocks or approximately 1000 feet (300 meters) of:

• A large white vapor cloud that may look like smoke
• A loud roaring sound like a jet engine coming from the ground
• A large pool of liquids that smell like petroleum or gasoline
• Dirt blowing from a small hole in the ground with a hissing or whistling noise
• A large outside area where the odor of rotten eggs or a burnt match is

An immediate directive shall be given to evacuate the area. Tell the caller to:

• Avoid any action that might create a spark:

• o NOT start a vehicle – abandon all vehicles and equipment
• Do NOT turn on or off lights
• Do NOT open or close windows
• Do NOT attempt to shut any valves
• Do NOT hang up the phone – just set it down
• Do NOT carry a cordless phone with you – just set it down
• Do NOT use cell phones until you are in a safe location away from the leak

• Evacuate the area on foot and move away from the leak (in an upwind and
  uphill direction if possible) at least four  city blocks or approximately 2500 feet (750 meters)
• Alert others to evacuate the area and keep people away
• Wait for responders to arrive

3. If the caller is within one city block or approximately 500 feet (150 meters) of:

• An area of dead vegetation
• An unusual area of melted snow in the winter
• An area of frozen ground in the summer
• A sheen on the surface of water
• Bubbling in pools of water on the ground
• A small area of wet ground with an odor like petroleum liquids or gasoline
• An outside area where there is an faint odor like rotten eggs or a burnt match

THESE ARE POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATIONS THAT MAY ESCALATE

Get callback information and tell the caller to:

• If outside, stay at least 300 feet (100 meters) or a football field away
• If they are inside a building, they should stay inside and close windows
• Wait for responders to arrive
• Do NOT attempt to shut any valves

4.  INITIATE THE RESPONSE:

If first responders request additional information before they arrive on scene, the following  information may be helpful:

• Provide current temperature along with wind direction and wind speed – advise units to approach cautiously from an upwind or crosswind location
• If there is no fire, advise units that vapors may be present and they should keep vehicles a safe distance away, avoid ignition sources, and not to park vehicles over manholes or storm drains

After initiating the response, steps should be taken to evaluate the potential for escalation and a notification should be made to the pipeline company.

5.  CONTACT THE PIPELINE COMPANY:

Pipeline companies will need specific information. This may include, but is not restricted to:

• Type of event (leak only, leak with fire, vapors)
• Exact location (state, county, city, street address, and coordinates if they are available)
• 9-1-1 Center contact name and phone number
• What responding units have been dispatched to the scene
• Local weather conditions
• Known injuries or property damage

Additional information that might be relevant to the response. This may include:

• What additional hazards might be present at this location?
• What specific actions will the pipeline company be taking?
• When can pipeline company personnel be expected to arrive on scene?
• Can this situation escalate? If so, what is the maximum potential impact?