A crew bolts a temporary clamp around the leaking section so gas keeps flowing, then the operator monitors it and schedules a permanent repair in the summer.
- Gas service
- Stays on
- Leak stops
- When the clamp is installed
- Permanent repair
- Scheduled for the summer
- Worker hazard
- Highest: blowing natural gas environment
- Also
- Bolted clamp is more prone to leakage; the repair must be monitored
Step 1 of 5
Where things stand
Gas is still escaping from the damaged main, and the fire department remains on scene.
Step 2 of 5
Prepare to work in blowing gas
Pressure is reduced as low as possible. All protective measures must be complete before workers enter the hazardous environment of blowing gas.
Worker hazardThis repair method presents the highest hazard to worker safety: working in an extremely hazardous, blowing natural gas environment. Workers wear flame-retardant fire suits and self-contained breathing apparatus, and the fire department stands by with hoses charged.Step 3 of 5
Install a bolted clamp
A team installs a temporary bolted (non-welded) clamp that fully encompasses the leaking section of pipe, in accordance with 49 C.F.R. § 192.720.
Step 4 of 5
Gas keeps flowing, under watch
Gas keeps flowing to customers. A bolted clamp is more prone to leakage than a welded clamp, so the operator must monitor the repair.
Step 5 of 5
Permanent repair in the summer
The operator schedules a permanent repair in the summer, when gas service would not be disrupted.