Pipeline Safety: Countermeasures to Prevent Human Fatigue in the Control Room

SUMMARY: The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) issues this advisory bulletin to owners and operators of natural gas and hazardous liquid pipelines and liquefied natural gas facilities. The purpose of this advisory is to help operators ensure that controllers are not assigned to shift duties while fatigued, to advise pipeline operators on considerations which could cause a reduction of mental alertness or decision making ability, and to encourage safe management practices.

This advisory also responds to the National Transportation Safety Board¿s (NTSB) Safety Recommendation P¿98¿ 30, which urges PHMSA to establish industry guidelines for pipeline controller work schedules to reduce the likelihood of accidents attributable to controller fatigue.

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