ICC Natural Gas Systems and Safety 3

Question 1

What is the typical operating pressure range for natural gas transmission pipelines that feed into distribution systems?

Accepted Answer

200 psig or higher

Answer

Less than 0.5 psig

Answer

0.5 to 60 psig

Answer

Exactly 14.7 psig

Question 2

When a natural gas main is taken out of service for repairs, what procedure is required before work begins?

Accepted Answer

Purge the main with inert gas and follow proper isolation and lockout/tagout procedures

Answer

Leave the main open to atmosphere after closing the upstream valve

Answer

Only install tape barriers around the work area

Answer

No special procedures are needed for repairs lasting less than 8 hours

Question 3

Who bears legal responsibility for locating and physically marking the position of underground natural gas facilities prior to excavation under Illinois law?

Accepted Answer

The natural gas utility (pipeline operator)

Answer

The excavating contractor

Answer

The property owner on whose land the work occurs

Answer

The local municipality or county

Question 4

What is the primary purpose of a metallic tracer wire installed alongside polyethylene natural gas pipe during installation?

Accepted Answer

To enable electromagnetic location of the non-metallic pipe by locating equipment

Answer

To provide electrical bonding between pipe sections

Answer

To carry cathodic protection current to the pipe exterior

Answer

To monitor internal gas pressure from the surface

Question 5

Under 49 CFR Part 192, how long must an operator retain the pressure test records for a natural gas pipeline?

Accepted Answer

For the life of the pipeline

Answer

1 year after the test

Answer

5 years after the test

Answer

10 years after the test

Question 6

When natural gas service is restored to multiple customers following a system outage, what is required before the restoration is considered complete?

Accepted Answer

Having a qualified technician relight pilot lights and check gas appliances at each service location

Answer

Sending a written notification letter to each affected customer

Answer

Simply reopening the main distribution valve and recording the time

Answer

Customers must call the utility to schedule their own reconnection

Question 7

Under ICC regulations aligned with 49 CFR Part 192, what is required of natural gas pipeline operators regarding emergency response plans?

Accepted Answer

Operators must maintain written emergency procedures and conduct annual training for all personnel with emergency responsibilities

Answer

Emergency plans are optional for operators with fewer than 500 customers

Answer

Emergency plans need only address major rupture scenarios

Answer

Plans must be filed with the ICC only once at the time of initial operator certification