Pipeline Safety Gets Boring ASTM Steel Plate Update
Published Date: 7/1/2025
Rule
Summary
This update changes pipeline safety rules to include the latest ASTM A578 standard for checking steel plates with ultrasound. Pipeline companies and inspectors will follow clearer, safer guidelines that reduce confusion and make compliance easier. These changes help keep everyone safe without extra costs and take effect as soon as they're published.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Pipelines must use ASTM A578 ultrasound rules
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration has incorporated the updated ASTM A578/A578M standard for straight‑beam ultrasonic examination of rolled steel plates into the Pipeline Safety Regulations. This change is intended to maintain or improve public safety, reduce regulatory confusion, and satisfy the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (NTTAA) of 1995, and it takes effect as soon as it is published.
Clarer inspection rules with no added costs
The update tells pipeline companies and inspectors they will follow clearer, safer guidelines for ultrasonic testing that reduce compliance burdens. The rule states these changes will reduce confusion and make compliance easier without imposing extra costs on stakeholders.
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