Safety and the Environment

Committed to Safety

Colonial Pipeline transports more barrels of refined petroleum products more miles than any other pipeline in the world.

Part of Colonial's success in maintaining market leadership comes from its commitment to safety. Numerous measures are taken to ensure the safety of the general public and the environment.

The safe operation of oil pipelines is assured by extensive federal and state regulation. Oil pipeline regulation includes standards established by the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Coast Guard Regulations on Oil Spills and the Army Corps of Engineers Permit Program Regulations.

In addition to that extensive body of federal rules and regulations, Colonial also complies with a vast array of industry standards and practices established by the American Petroleum Institute, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the National Fire Protection Association and other industry groups.

When viewed from the standpoint of impact on human life, there is no safer mode for the transportation of liquid petroleum than via pipeline. In 1995, the United States recorded 44,347 transportation-related fatalities. Out of these fatalities, 632 involved large trucks, 753 involved railroads and 31 involved commercial marine carriers. There were 21 fatalities that resulted from liquids and gas transmission pipeline failures in 1995 and of these, three fatalities resulted from liquid pipeline failures. None resulted from Colonial Pipeline operations.

Declaration of Safety

Colonial Pipeline Company is committed to the safety of everyone impacted by its business. This philosophy is fundamental to the success of our organization. Adherence to the following principles will safeguard employees and the public.

All injuries and accidents are preventable.
We will not compromise safety to achieve any business objective.
Leaders are accountable for the safety of all employees, contractors, and the public.
Each employee has primary responsibility for his/her safety and the safety of others.
Effective communication and the sharing of information is essential to achieving an accident-free workplace.
Employees and contractor personnel will be properly trained to perform their work safely.
Exposure to workplace hazards shall be minimized and/or safeguarded.
We will empower and encourage all employees and contractors to stop, correct and report any unsafe condition.
Each employee will be evaluated on his/her performance and contribution to our safety efforts.
We will design, construct, operate and maintain facilities and pipelines with safety in mind.
We believe preventing accidents is good business.

Through these principles we will create practices to continuously improve our safety and health performance and lead the industry in safety.

Your Safety is Our Future