UPDATED
Abnormal Operating Condition
What does the acronym AOC stand for?
When a condition is identified that may indicate a malfunction of a component
or a deviation from normal operations, resulting in a condition exceeding design
limits or causing harm/hazards to persons, property, or the environment.
When do AOCs occur?
- Protect life and property
- Stop work and make the situation safe per company emergency response
policies and procedures
- Notify your supervisor of the AOC if the issue requires immediate resolution
If the AOC presents an immediate risk to life or property, your job is to:
- As a best practice, contact the assigner to determine if there are any pending
AOCs submitted for the work order location, that also need to be addressed.
- If the AOC remediation is a different job type, request the appropriate order for
the additional work.
- Document the remediation taken for AOCs in the comments on the order.
,If the AOC is not causing immediate risk to life or property, remediate any AOCs
that can be addressed while onsite, in accordance with your training and
qualifications. This includes:
Any unplanned and/or uncontrolled escape of gas including :
- Outside leaks above ground as indicated at meter sets, regulator/gate station,
house piping, etc.
- Below ground leaks as indicated at transmission lines, mains, service lines, etc.
Name a type of abnormal operating condition?
Any fire involving a pipeline facility, as indicated by uncontrolled ignition of gas
Name a type of abnormal operating condition?
Any explosion involving a pipeline, as indicated by:
- A sudden and violent release of gas and/or
- A loud sound that accompanies a sudden release of energy, etc.
Name a type of abnormal operating condition?
Any pressure that exceeds the operating limits of the gas system indicated by:
- A relief valve expelling gas or
, - Telemetry pressure readings, etc
Name a type of abnormal operating condition?
Any pressure that falls below the normal operating requirements of the gas
system, as indicated by:
- A pilot out at a customer appliance, or
- Telemetry reads are significantly lower than normal, etc
Name a type of abnormal operating condition?
No pressure in a pipeline that was last known to be in service, as indicated by the
following:
- Inadvertent shutdown
- Valve closed (when it should be open)
- Broken line
- Excess flow valve (EFV) activated
- Pressure limiting device activated, etc
Name a type of abnormal operating condition?
Pipeline facility installation that no longer meets code requirements and/or
company policy as indicated by the following (Be advised this is not a complete
listing):
- Bent riser or other above ground piping