Page 20 - Texas811 Magazine 2017 Issue 1
P. 20

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

So what exactly do all these pipelines transport?

There is a wide range of products traveling through the thousands or miles or pipelines, everything from gas tor

your car to oxygen tor hospitals. Many or these products can be highly flammable, harmful it inhaled, cause eye

or skin irritation or possibly cause dirriculty breathing. some or the materials could cause environmental damage.
Because of these potential hazards, it is important tor our neighbors to be able to recognize a pipeline leak.

Recognizing a pipeline leak
Using your sense of sight, smell and sound will help you in recognizing a suspected leak.
Sh-v&  HE-J‘ ‘W I
I A dense, white cloud or fog I An unusual smell or gaseous I An unusual noise coming from
over a pipeline odor will sometimes accompany the pipeline, such as a hissing
I Discolored vegetation a Pipeline leak. or roaring sound, may be a sign
surrounding the pipeline ofa leak.
I Bubbling in water or creeks
or an oily sheen on water
I Frozen ground in warm 3
weather
I Dirt blowing up from the
mu nd ltiitm what's below.
g call helorc you dig.
What TO DO If You Suspect A Leak What NOT TO DO If You Suspect A Leak
- lmmediately leave the area. - Do not touch, breathe or make contact with the leaking 1iq—
- lt possible turn off any equipment being used in uids or gas. stay upwind if possible.
or near the suspected leak. Abandon any equipment 0 Do not light a match, start an engine, use a telephone, turn
being used and move upwind from the suspected on or off any type of electrical switch such as a light, garage
leak. door opener, etc. or do anything that may create static or a
- From a safe location, call 911 or your local emergency spark.
response number and the pipeline company. can col— - Do not attempt to extflngujsh any pipeline fire that may start.
lect, if needed, and give your name, phone number, - Do not drive into a leak or vapor cloud area. Automobile
description or the leak and its location. engines may ignite the vapors.
- Warn others to stay away when possible. 0 Do not attempt to operate valves.
Pipeline Operator's Actions during an Emergency
In the unlikely event of an accident or leak, the pipeline operator who is notiiied will immediately dispatch personnel to
the site to help handle the emergency and to provide information to public satety officials to assist in their response to the
emergency. Pipeline technicians will also take quick action such as starting and stopping pumps or compressors, closing and
opening valves, and similar steps to minimize the impact of the situation. These responders are heavily trained throughout
the year to ensure their neighborhood is returned to its we11—being.

























































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