PHMSA Master Meter System
Compliance Inspection Exam Practice
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary purpose of a master meter system?
A. To monitor customer satisfaction
B. To measure the total gas delivered to downstream systems
C. To regulate pipeline pressure
D. To inspect pipelines annually
Master meter systems are designed to track the total volume of gas
delivered to downstream operators or customers, ensuring accurate
billing and compliance.
2. Which federal regulation governs the operation of master meter
systems?
A. OSHA Part 1910
B. DOT Part 192
C. 49 CFR Part 192
D. NFPA 70
49 CFR Part 192 outlines the federal pipeline safety regulations,
including design, operation, and maintenance of master meter
systems.
3. How often must master meter operators conduct leak surveys on
distribution pipelines?
A. Monthly
B. Annually
C. Every 5 years
, D. Every 10 years
Annual leak surveys are required to identify potential hazards and
maintain system integrity.
4. Which type of inspection is critical before transferring gas from a
master meter to a downstream system?
A. Structural inspection
B. Flow rate and pressure verification
C. Customer meter calibration
D. Soil sampling
Verifying flow rate and pressure ensures safe operation and
compliance with regulatory standards.
5. What is the maximum allowable operating pressure (MAOP) used for
in master meter systems?
A. To calculate customer billing
B. To prevent corrosion
C. To establish safe pressure limits in the downstream distribution
system
D. To determine pipe diameter
MAOP defines the highest pressure a pipeline may operate under
safely, protecting both the system and customers.
6. When must a master meter operator report an incident to PHMSA?
A. Only during annual inspections
B. Only if property damage exceeds $1,000
C. Immediately after a reportable incident occurs
D. When requested by the local municipality
PHMSA requires immediate reporting of incidents that meet specific
criteria to ensure timely investigation and corrective action.
7. Which method is commonly used to detect leaks in master meter
pipelines?
A. Ultrasonic testing
B. Gas leak survey with combustible gas detectors
C. Radiographic testing
D. Soil pH testing
Gas leak surveys with detection equipment are the standard method
for identifying leaks in natural gas distribution systems.
, 8. What records must a master meter operator maintain for regulatory
compliance?
A. Only customer invoices
B. Employee training logs only
C. Pipeline maps, maintenance records, and inspection reports
D. Vendor contracts
Maintaining accurate records of system maps, inspections, and
maintenance activities is essential for compliance audits.
9. How should a master meter operator handle an overpressure
condition downstream?
A. Increase gas flow to compensate
B. Shut off flow and investigate the cause
C. Ignore minor fluctuations
D. Notify customers only
Overpressure can compromise safety; immediate corrective action is
required.
10. What is the primary hazard associated with master meter
systems?
A. Soil erosion
B. Electrical interference
C. Gas leaks and potential explosions
D. Water contamination
Gas leaks pose serious safety risks, including fire or explosion hazards.
11. During a compliance inspection, what is the inspector primarily
assessing?
A. Employee attendance
B. Customer satisfaction
C. System integrity and adherence to federal regulations
D. Gas market share
Inspectors evaluate the operator’s adherence to regulatory
requirements and the safe operation of the system.
12. How often must cathodic protection systems be tested on
pipelines supplying master meters?
A. Monthly
B. Every 3 years or per operator schedule
Compliance Inspection Exam Practice
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary purpose of a master meter system?
A. To monitor customer satisfaction
B. To measure the total gas delivered to downstream systems
C. To regulate pipeline pressure
D. To inspect pipelines annually
Master meter systems are designed to track the total volume of gas
delivered to downstream operators or customers, ensuring accurate
billing and compliance.
2. Which federal regulation governs the operation of master meter
systems?
A. OSHA Part 1910
B. DOT Part 192
C. 49 CFR Part 192
D. NFPA 70
49 CFR Part 192 outlines the federal pipeline safety regulations,
including design, operation, and maintenance of master meter
systems.
3. How often must master meter operators conduct leak surveys on
distribution pipelines?
A. Monthly
B. Annually
C. Every 5 years
, D. Every 10 years
Annual leak surveys are required to identify potential hazards and
maintain system integrity.
4. Which type of inspection is critical before transferring gas from a
master meter to a downstream system?
A. Structural inspection
B. Flow rate and pressure verification
C. Customer meter calibration
D. Soil sampling
Verifying flow rate and pressure ensures safe operation and
compliance with regulatory standards.
5. What is the maximum allowable operating pressure (MAOP) used for
in master meter systems?
A. To calculate customer billing
B. To prevent corrosion
C. To establish safe pressure limits in the downstream distribution
system
D. To determine pipe diameter
MAOP defines the highest pressure a pipeline may operate under
safely, protecting both the system and customers.
6. When must a master meter operator report an incident to PHMSA?
A. Only during annual inspections
B. Only if property damage exceeds $1,000
C. Immediately after a reportable incident occurs
D. When requested by the local municipality
PHMSA requires immediate reporting of incidents that meet specific
criteria to ensure timely investigation and corrective action.
7. Which method is commonly used to detect leaks in master meter
pipelines?
A. Ultrasonic testing
B. Gas leak survey with combustible gas detectors
C. Radiographic testing
D. Soil pH testing
Gas leak surveys with detection equipment are the standard method
for identifying leaks in natural gas distribution systems.
, 8. What records must a master meter operator maintain for regulatory
compliance?
A. Only customer invoices
B. Employee training logs only
C. Pipeline maps, maintenance records, and inspection reports
D. Vendor contracts
Maintaining accurate records of system maps, inspections, and
maintenance activities is essential for compliance audits.
9. How should a master meter operator handle an overpressure
condition downstream?
A. Increase gas flow to compensate
B. Shut off flow and investigate the cause
C. Ignore minor fluctuations
D. Notify customers only
Overpressure can compromise safety; immediate corrective action is
required.
10. What is the primary hazard associated with master meter
systems?
A. Soil erosion
B. Electrical interference
C. Gas leaks and potential explosions
D. Water contamination
Gas leaks pose serious safety risks, including fire or explosion hazards.
11. During a compliance inspection, what is the inspector primarily
assessing?
A. Employee attendance
B. Customer satisfaction
C. System integrity and adherence to federal regulations
D. Gas market share
Inspectors evaluate the operator’s adherence to regulatory
requirements and the safe operation of the system.
12. How often must cathodic protection systems be tested on
pipelines supplying master meters?
A. Monthly
B. Every 3 years or per operator schedule
