Pipeline Operator Public Education Program
Self-Assessment

Form Submittal Instructions

This self-assessment is to be completed and submitted online no later than December 17, 2003, by all operators of hazardous liquid, gas transmission, natural gas distribution, and gathering pipeline systems regulated by OPS, and who file reports with OPS or have an Operator ID (Op ID). Some state agencies may also request copies of these self-assessments. For state-regulated operators, requirements for submittal of self-assessments will be determined by the applicable state agency.

Please note that operators are required to complete and submit the self-assessment by 12/17/03, but operators are NOT required to submit their public education program plans to OPS at this time. The form is available in three formats:

1. On-line Form (recommended)
2. Printable PDF Document
3. Microsoft Word Template

Which Format Should You Use?

The following is intended to help the operator decide which format to use in completing their self-assessments.

1. On-line Form (recommended)
   1. Fill out the form on-line by December 17, 2003.
   2. An automatic email is sent to you requesting confirmation.
   3. Click a single link in the email message to confirm your submittal.

   Note: Using the on-line form maximizes accuracy and minimizes the cost to RSPA/OPS.

2. Printable PDF Document
   1. Download the PDF document.
   2. Print the document (approximately 15 pages).
   3. Complete the self-assessment by hand.
   4. Fax or mail a copy of the completed form to OPS by December 17, 2003. (See contact information below.)
   
   
3. Microsoft Word Template
   1. Download the Microsoft Word template, choosing to save the template file locally. (In most browsers, right-click the link, and choose "Save As..." to perform this step.)
   2. Create a new Word document using the template. (This can be done by double-clicking the template file name on your computer.)
   3. Complete the self-assessment using Microsoft Word. NOTE: The user must have Microsoft Word installed in order to use this option!
   4. Save the completed form as a document (.DOC files) with a name that reflects the operator and scope of the self-assessment. (Example: "ExxonMobil-Self-Assessment.DOC")
   5. Do not attempt to modify the original template!
   6. Submit the completed document (.DOC file) by email to OPS by December 17, 2003. (See contact information below.)

   Caution: Some users find Microsoft Word forms difficult to use. Additionally, spell-checking and other standard features of Word are not available in a form-based document.

Contact Information

Completed electronic forms (Microsoft Word documents) can be submitted to OPS via email attachments addressed to:

  RP1162SA@rspa.dot.gov

Forms submitted by U.S. Mail or other delivery methods should be sent to:

   Attn:  Juan Carlos Martinez, Room 7128
   U.S. Department of Transportation
   Research and Special Programs Administration
   Office of Pipeline Safety
   400 7th Street, SW
   Washington, DC 20590

Delivery of documents should be confirmed.

Faxes should be sent to:

   OPS, attn: Juan Carlos Martinez
   Fax: 202-366-4566

Questions regarding this information should be directed to:

   RP1162SA@rspa.dot.gov

Background

The Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS) introduced the self-assessment process for pipeline operator public education programs to pipeline operators during two workshops held in the fall of 2003. This self-assessment is designed to:

1. Help operators meet the requirements of the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002 (PSIA),
2. Help operators evaluate their existing programs against the guidelines provided in the new industry consensus standard, API Recommended Practice (RP) 1162, and
3. Help OPS develop an understanding of the status of operator public education programs across the country.

Part A: Compliance with the Pipeline Regulations and the PSIA 2002

The Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002 (PSIA 2002) requires that each owner or operator of a natural gas or hazardous liquid pipeline facility must carry out a continuing program to educate the public on:

• the use of a one-call notification system prior to excavation and other damage prevention activities,
• the possible hazards associated with unintended releases from the pipeline facility,
• the physical indications that such a release may have occurred,
• what steps should be taken for public safety in the event of a pipeline release, and
• how to report such an event. 

The PSIA requires that by December 17, 2003 (not later than 12 months after the date of its enactment), each owner or operator of a gas or hazardous liquid pipeline facility must review its existing public education program for effectiveness and modify the program as necessary.

Part A of this Self-Assessment inquires about the operator’s existing public education program relative to the regulatory requirements found in 49 CFR Parts 192 and 195 and relative to the public education requirements found in the PSIA 2002, as noted above.

Part B: Operator Self-Assessment to RP1162 Guidelines

In recognition of the importance of effective public awareness programs, outstanding recommendations from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and anticipated legislative action in this regard, a pipeline industry Task Force has developed and issued an industry consensus standard, API Recommended Practice (RP) 1162, "Public Awareness Programs for Pipeline Operators". 

RP 1162 provides guidance on development, implementation, and evaluation of public awareness programs.  Note that "public education programs", as used in the PSIA, and "public awareness programs", as used in RP 1162, are considered the same and used interchangeably for the purposes of this assessment form.

RP 1162 provides guidance for:

• Intrastate and interstate hazardous liquid pipelines,
• Intrastate and interstate natural gas transmission and distribution pipelines, and
• Gathering pipelines.

RP 1162 was developed in compliance with API Procedures for Standards Development, as approved by ANSI,  and the final document will be an ANSI standard.

Part B of this self-assessment will support pipeline operators in evaluating their "current" public awareness programs against the guidelines provided in RP 1162 and in planning modifications to align their programs with those guidelines. The aggregate statistics resulting from operator responses to Part B of this self-assessment will provide OPS with information regarding the status of public education programs across and within the pipeline industry and an outlook of operator plans to achieve full alignment with the baseline guidance provided in RP 1162.

Looking Forward: Regulatory Implications

OPS plans to initiate a new rulemaking, setting minimum requirements for pipeline operators to develop, implement and manage public education programs.  OPS will incorporate by reference into the new rule, all or portions of the guidance provided in RP 1162.