§60137 Pipeline Control Room Management

Summary

By June 1, 2008, the Secretary must write rules that force every gas or hazardous liquid pipeline operator to make, use, and send in a human factors management plan for each control center. The plan must try to cut human-related risks, such as fatigue. Each plan must set a maximum hours-of-service limit for people who work as controllers. Operators send the plan to the federal Secretary or to the top official in a State that has an annual certification under section 60105. The Secretary or the State official must review and approve each plan and cannot approve any plan that lacks the hours limit. If a plan or the way it is used is unsafe or breaks the rules, the official can enforce the rules. Operators must keep records showing they followed the plan and explain any departures. The rules must also require operators to report any deviations from their plans.