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Pipeline Failure Causes

What is the difference between an accident and an incident?

As used in pipeline safety regulations, an incident is an event occurring on a natural gas pipeline for which the operator must make a report to the Office of Pipeline Safety. Events of similar magnitude affecting hazardous liquid pipelines are considered accidents. (Reference 49CFR 191.3, 49CFR 195.50).

Learn more about pipelines on PHMSA's Stakeholder Communication Site

Reporting Pipline Accident information Instruction to call 911