Overview of the NTSB during Pipeline Accident...

Title slide with NTSB 50th Anniversary Commemorative Emblem-Making Transportation Safer Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow. National Transportation Safety Board.

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Rachael GunaratnamHazardous Materials Accident InvestigatorAugust 29, 2017

Overview of the NTSB during Pipeline Accident InvestigationsWestern Regional Gas Conference

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• Created in 1967 as an independent agency within the USDOT• Independent Safety Board Act of 1974

- Fully independent agency- Investigate transportation accidents- Determine probable cause- Develop recommendations

• Aviation Disaster Family Assistance Act of 1996• Rail Passenger Disaster Family Assistance Act of 2008

History

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• Chairman• Vice Chairman• Three other Board Members

• Nominated by the President

• Confirmed by the Senate

• Members are not investigators

The Board

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Independently Advancing Transportation Safety

NTSB Mission

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Accident Investigation

Accident investigation is the primary tool used by the NTSB to develop recommendations for safety improvements

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Investigative Offices

• Office of Aviation Safety• Office of Highway Safety• Office of Marine Safety

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Office of Railroad, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials

Investigations

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The Level of support depends on the complexity of the accident. The team may include:

• Member’s Special assistant • Media Relations• Government Affairs-all levels of government officials• TDA- Family and other loved ones• CIO-information systems• General Counsel-legal matters

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• August 19, 2000: Carlsbad, New Mexico• July 25, 2010: Marshall, Michigan• September 9, 2010: San Bruno, California• March 12, 2014: New York City, New York• August 9, 2016: Silver Spring, Maryland• August, 2, 2017: Minnehaha, Minnesota

Major Pipeline Investigations

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August 19, 2000: Carlsbad, New Mexico

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July 25, 2010: Marshall, Michigan

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September 9, 2010: San Bruno, California

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March 12, 2014: New York City, New York

August 10, 2016: Silver Spring, Maryland

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August 2, 2017: Minnehaha, Minnesota

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Last slide with NTSB 50th

Anniversary Commemorative Emblem-Making Transportation Safer Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow.