Our commitment as a socially responsible company means that we operate our facilities in a manner that protects people and the environment and preserves our world for future generations.
Equistar Pipeline's number one priority is safety. As of November 6, 2006, the pipeline operations had gone six years with no Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) recordable injuries – more than 1 million safe work hours by Equistar’s pipeline employees.
To ensure safe operation of the pipeline, Equistar’s control room has the capability to start and stop pumps and compressors along the pipeline; remotely open and close valves and the ability to isolate sections of pipeline or divert flows to other lines. The control room has advanced communications equipment to ensure constant communications with the public and emergency responders is possible in the event of a manmade or natural disaster.
Equistar works hard to ensure that pipelines are protected and operating safely:
- Pipeline markers are placed along the entire pipeline
- Lines are surveyed for cathodic protection potential
- Annual leak surveys are conducted
- Aerial inspection of the lines occurs weekly
- The One-Call system (800-Dig-Tess) is used to prevent damage.
Protecting the Public and the Environment
Equistar is committed to informing the public, officials and excavators on pertinent pipeline information including emergency contacts; incident prevention and emergency response as stipulated by the American Petroleum Institutes Recommended Practice 1162 (API RP1162).
Equistar’s proactive public awareness and disaster prevention program helps to ensure the safety of the communities in which we operate and protects the environment from unnecessary releases of product. The company is a member of the Texas Excavation Safety System (TESS) where excavators, individuals and emergency responders can, and should, call 1-800-Dig-Tess before digging in order to locate Equistar pipelines.