PHMSA hosts, streams pipeline safety workshop

I've said more than once that safety is DOT's number one priority, but when most people think of transportation safety, they often overlook the network of 2.5 million miles of pipeline criss-crossing the country.

So, if you're not part of the pipeline community, you probably haven't heard about the Leak Detection System workshop being hosted today by the Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. That's okay, because the people who do need to hear about it--the pipeline operators who keep your community safe--are participating in the workshop.

They will learn best practices from state and federal officials, pipeline operators, and other safety experts.

And for those pipeline operators who weren't able to send someone to Maryland for the event, PHMSA made it easy to join the workshop--through a free, publicly-available, full-service webcast.

The webcast offers online participants the ability to view speakers' slides, read captions of the presentations so they don't disturb their office-mates, and submit questions for discussion. Because it will be archived, it also remains available for anyone to review long after the workshop ends.

If producing the webcast makes the workshop accessible to 200 more participants--the number participating online as of earlier today--that means we're advancing pipeline safety in 200 more communities across America.

And I like the sound of that.

Today's workshop, Improving Leak Detection System Effectiveness, will be followed tomorrow by a second session--also streaming on the web--Understanding the Application of Automatic Control & Remote Control Valves.

These control valves manage the flow of critical materials through the pipelines that supply more than two-thirds of the fuel used to heat, cool, and operate American homes, cars and businesses. The more information the pipeline community shares about using these valves, the safer we all are.

That's why I am glad that PHMSA is hosting these safety workshops, glad that it's covering all of the pipeline safety bases, and glad to know that the webcast makes participating easier for hundreds of members of our pipeline community.

PHMSA has hosted many workshops over the years, and has been a pioneer in webcasting for some time now. And its safety efforts don't end there. From rulemakings, safety advisories, and grants, to workshops, technology, and the terrific Pipeline Profile By State, PHMSA works hard in many different ways to make sure your community stays safe.

Thanks to everyone attending this week’s workshops—in person or online. We appreciate your commitment to safety.