MEC&F Expert Engineers : CAUSES OF GAS PIPELINE EXPLOSIONS

Causes of Gas Pipeline Explosions

Extraction of oil and natural gas is a difficult and dangerous process. To do the job safely, workers must be well trained and have the equipment they need. Companies must continually emphasize worker safety, maintain equipment in good working order and ensure all federal safety regulations are met.

Safety failures in the field or at production facilities or gas plants can cause deadly gas pipeline explosions.

Investigating the Cause of the Explosion

· Gas pipeline explosions and throughout the nation occur due to a number of reasons. Some of the common causes of pipeline explosions include:

· Improper installation, including poor welding and failure to install emergency shut-off valves

· Mechanical damage during excavation work

· Defective parts, including gas connectors or control valves

· Failure to maintain or replace an aging natural gas line, meter sets, joints, service lines and gas mains; failure to change out cast iron pipelines (which can suffer metal fatigue from corrosion and being over pressurization)

· Failure to properly respond to consumers' "gas leak" calls

· Inadequate safety practices and poor training of personnel, including failure to train and coordinate gas leak response with local emergency response organizations and failure to qualify employees under the mandatory "Cover Tasks" pipeline regulations

· Failure to follow minimum pipeline safety regulations