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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.