NTSB Findings for MA Gas Explosions

Ironman

An incompetent engineer caused it.

https://www.npr.org/2018/11/16/668612558/federal-investigators-pinpoint-what-caused-string-of-gas-explosions-in-mass

ratio

Guh. As much as I rail against engineers, that poor guy is watching the train accelerate towards him this very minute. In over his head (whether or not he knew it), and no one above him checking up on things from time to time.

Ironman

The thing that gets me is that WE who are this side of the meter are required to be licensed, they are not. WE could only cause damage to one structure at a time from our error, but they can do it to thousands with one goof up.

I agree about the engineer; he'll probably be made the scape goat.

Jamie Hall

One thing to note in that report -- it's kind of buried -- is that in Massachusetts engineers working for the State or public utilities are not required to be licensed. Which, if I may say so as a Professional Engineer, is absurd. Or, in the vernacular, ****?

nicholas bonham-carter

http://www.wbur.org/onpoint/archive
This archived "on point" discussion of the gas explosions was very interesting>--NBC

Steamhead

In other words- you can't fix stupid, and stupid kills people.

EBEBRATT-Ed

Doesn't need to be an engineer. Anyone with a brain would do.

Gross incompetence....nothing else you can say


But even with all that

Why are there not PRVs downstream from these regulators?


I have done a lot of high pressure gas in MA and they are strict. Any change to a high pressure gas system in a building in MA requires:

1.A complete drawing of the entire gas system (even if you only change 1 appliance and replace it with a new one with the same capacity)
2. drawing must be stamped by a PE
3. drawing submitted to the gas utility for approval
4. When approved the local inspector gets it
5. If all is good you get your permit

And RECENTLY CHANGED within the last few years you used to have to send the stamped drawing to the state plumbing board for approval. This has now been re cinded.

We used to wait months to get the drawings back from the state.... it held up too many jobs so now it just goes to the local inspector.


So these are the hoops that MA puts us through. I doubt any other state is this strict.

But, OH your a UTILITY??

you can do whatever you want, including working in buildings WITHOUT a license

Gordy

Sounds to me"Field engineer" is just a title. It doesn't even mean he holds an engineering degree. Similar to DOT job sites that have an R.E. ( resident engineer) most are Techs given a job to run. Some have engineering degrees some do not. Those that do not usually have been there for years, and have worked their way up the ladder.

Be assured this field engineers plans were reviewed by someone in departments presented to that should have been able to bring the proper department on board to review the plans also , in light of the field engineer not doing so.. Some where there was a disconnect above him. The NTSB just calls it as they see it from the outside looking in. That's the lack of checks, and balances.

A PE stamp is not a definitive indicator the proper departments would have reviewed the drawings either. Most see the PE stamp as a clear cut sign as to lack of their responsibility. He's a PE I'm not he must know what he is doing I believe him.....yet they are only human also. No one person should be left to total responsibility in these types of situations.

Solid_Fuel_Man

Same thing with electricians and utility workers here in Maine: I must have a degree, 12,000 hours work experience, pass journeyman, and master's test, have 90 hours electrical code class, and get a 15 hour electrician code update class every 3 years.

All that to work on this side of the meter, but the utility workers have no prerequisites etc etc etc, just safety.

Gordy

I have a friend who worked for exelon now retired. Years ago there was a management shake down. People were being hired from say gas companies filling management positions that knew zero about electricity. A lot of issues there now on how to run an electric utility verse gas.