Emergency Plans (16.5)
Criticality: Medium
Progress: Addressed, Not Adequately
Score: 12
DOT Relevance: §192.601 – §192.629
Description of Key Area
Emergency plans fall under Subpart L (Operations) of 49 CFR 192.
Per the Code, “This subpart prescribes minimum requirements for the operation
of pipeline facilities.”
Discussion of Criticality
Procedures must be documented and training programs must be
created.
Discussion of Progress
In 2005, the NASFM and DOT’s RITA established the Hydrogen
Executive Leadership Panel (HELP). HELP’s mission is “…to bring together
emergency responders, government regulators, scientists, consumers and experts
from the automotive and energy industries to facilitate a safe and orderly transition
to hydrogen and other alternative fuel sources.” HELP will focus on issues
involved in training, educating, and mobilizing emergency responders to work
with government, industry, and community groups to facilitate and ensure
hydrogen transport, storage and distribution, and the safety of vehicles and
environs.
ASME B31.12 will provide an outline as in ASME B31.8 for
emergency plans.
Recommendations
Procedures for emergencies related to hydrogen pipelines must be
established and incorporated by reference into the federal code.
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