Frequently-Asked Question FAQ #159

FAQ-159: Definition: Incident

Question: What constitutes an "incident" of the kind for which operators implementing performance-based programs must evaluate for implications to their pipelines and IM programs (192.913(b)(1)(v)?

Answer: Incidents are as defined for incident reporting in 49 CFR 191.3. OPS expects, however, that operators deviating from the requirements of prescriptive programs on the basis of "exceptional performance" under 192.913(b) will evaluate events that involve unintentional release of gas but which do not reach the reporting threshold. Such events can illuminate lessons that, if acted upon, can avoid additional events, some of which may produce greater consequences. OPS expects that operators with mature programs (i.e., those demonstrating "exceptional performance") will seek to acquire and act on these lessons, and that their evaluations of such events will have a degree of transparency that allows OPS to also learn from the evaluations