FOREWORD

The primary purpose of the GPTC Guide for Gas Transmission and Distribution Piping Systems (Guide) is to provide assistance to the operator in complying with the intent of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) in the performance requirements contained in the Transportation of Natural and Other Gas by Pipelines, Title 49 Subchapter D-Pipeline Safety: Part 191- Annual Reports, Incident Reports, and Safety- Related Condition Reports; and Part 192- Minimum Federal Safety Standards (all being typically referred to hereinafter as the "Regulations").

The Guide includes the Minimum Federal Safety Standards together with the design recommendations, material reference, and recommended practices of the GPTC. The function of the GPTC's guide material is to provide "how to" supplementary recommendations related to the Minimum Federal Safety Standards. The Committee continuously works to pinpoint areas where more Guide type material could be utilized in support of the Minimum Federal Safety Standards and related Regulations.

The Guide includes the Federal Regulations plus the GPTC's guide material for both Parts 191 and 192. The Guide is published in loose-leaf format. As changes occur to the Regulations and related guide material, replacement or additional sheets will be mailed to Guide purchasers. The subscription service, which is included with the purchase of the Guide, includes changes to the Regulations as issued by DOT/OPS and changes made to the guide material by GPTC. A new edition, incorporating all changes that have been published, is usually issued every three years.

The historical reconstruction of the Regulations is available in AGA X69804, "Historical Collection of Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Regulations." It includes the original version of Parts 191 and 192 and all their amendments through Amdts. 191-15 and 192-93 (reference the document as updated November 1, 2003). The Federal Register preamble to the amendments is included as well. This collection of all earlier amendments has been established as a readily accessible reference to supplement the Guide or to aid research activity. However, considering the electronic availability of amendments, refer to the Federal Register web site for later amendments.

The format of the Guide includes the title of each numbered section of the Regulations and is followed by the effective date of the latest amendment activity or effective date of the original version if no amendment has been issued. The Regulation is followed by a list of amendment or control numbers for the respective section and the applicable guide material as developed by the Committee.

The GPTC has an established procedure for reviewing requests for interpretations and suggestions for additions and revisions to the Guide. Written requests should be sent to: Secretary, Gas Piping Technology Committee, American Gas Association, 400 N. Capitol Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20001.

Requests for interpretations, proposed additions, and revisions to the Regulations should be directed to the Associate Administrator for Pipeline Safety, Office of Pipeline Safety, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, East Building, 2^nd Floor, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE, Washington, D.C. 20590-0001.