Quick Start Guide Natural Gas Utilities

SECTION 03: KEY SAFETY MESSAGES

Interior Piping & Appliance Connectors Safety Why Address This Issue? The safe use of natural gas in homes and other structures relies on the integrity of interior natural gas piping and appliance connectors. Hanging clothing and other items from exposed interior piping can compromise pipe joints and appliance connectors, and connectors may be compromised or improperly linked when appliances are replaced or newly installed. In 1997, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) determined that certain kinds of connectors manufactured between 1970 and 1980 may fail over time. The agency requested all natural gas operators to inform their customers of the need to have corrugated appliance and equipment connectors inspected and replaced as necessary by qualified persons. As a result, many faulty connectors were replaced, but many are still in use.

62

Developing a Public Safety Communications Program