PHMSA - Kids and Teachers

Kids & Teachers

There is lots of interesting information available on the PHMSA website. If you don't find what you are looking for, please ask us about it in our Feedback Form.

Would you like to know how many miles of pipelines cross the United States? Check out the Frequently Asked Questions.

Are you interested in some definitions? Read the definitions below or visit the PHMSA Glossary for more definitions.

Do you have a paper to write about the safety of our transportation of oil or hazardous materials?

Read more About PHMSA.
Read more Pipeline information for Students and Teachers.

Do you know how to protect yourself or report a problem in your back yard? Read about how you can protect your community.

PHMSA can help. Contact Us.

What is a Hazardous Material?

Any substance or material that is considered to have the capability to cause an unreasonable risk to human health or safety or the environment when transported in commerce, used incorrectly, or if not properly stored or contained is considered a hazardous material.

Hazardous materials are vital to the nation’s economy, as we all depend on these materials to heat our homes, provide fuel for our transportation system, and deliver chemicals to enhance food production and drugs to diagnose and treat illnesses. Over 3.1 billion tons of hazardous materials are shipped annually, equaling 28 percent of all ton miles of annual freight.

	KidZone: How to stay safe at home (PDF)
	Pamphlet for kids on home safety and identifying hazardous materials in your home.

What is a Pipeline?

America depends on pipelines to safely move and receive vast quantities of critical energy supplies. In PHMSA regulatory terms a pipeline includes all parts of a physical facility through which gas, hazardous liquid or carbon dioxide moves in transportation. The make up of a pipeline includes but is not limited to: line pipe, valves and other appurtenances that are attached to the pipe; pumping and/or compressor units and associated fabricated units; metering, regulating, and delivery stations; holders and fabricated assemblies; and breakout tanks.

Over 97 percent of the nation’s transportation energy needs are met by petroleum products, and 64 percent of these products are moved through America’s pipeline network.