The new regulation, to be published in the Federal Register, is designed to strengthen management and oversight of control room operations for all types of pipelines regulated by the department.

The new control room management rule requires pipeline operators to establish human factors management plans and to account for National Transportation Safety Board recommendations on supervisory control and data acquisition system displays, alarm systems and controller training.

In addition pipeline operators must establish maximum hours-of-service limits and integrate these procedures into existing operations and processes. Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration spokeswoman Cynthia Quarterman said “The public deserves and expects a national pipeline transportation system that meets the highest safety standard.”

“These rules will improve public safety by improving the operations of the nation’s pipeline system control rooms,” Ms Quarterman said.