Federal Pipeline Agency Recognizes Georgia’s Innovative Training

Firefighters Train Each Other On How to Protect Public during Pipeline Emergencies

ATLANTA (May 22, 2015) – The federal agency that oversees pipeline safety has recognized the state of Georgia’s innovative training program for training firefighters and other emergency responders who protect the public in the event of a pipeline incident. 

Tim Butters, Deputy Administrator for the Pipeline Hazardous Materials Administration (PHMSA), praised the efforts of the Georgia Pipeline Emergency Response Initiative (GPERI) at the group’s May 15 board meeting. 

In presenting the award, Butters recounted his experiences as a former firefighter and noted how important it is for responders and pipeline operators to have a working relationship before an emergency occurs. He said Georgia’s ability to work across state agencies and private/​public pipeline companies set a national direction for pipeline safety training programs.

Rather than have pipeline operators train firefighters, in Georgia firefighters lead and conduct the training for responders. They know best the issues they will face during an emergency. The increased awareness and ownership has deeply invested the responders in pipeline safety.

“Our program leverages the skills, knowledge and expertise of our responders,” said Jackie Gibbs, GPERI Chairman. ​“We are pleased to accept this award on behalf of the responders, pipeline operators and regulators who worked together to create this program.” 

PHMSA is the federal agency responsible for protecting people and the environment from the risks of hazardous materials transportation. This is accomplished by setting national policy, setting and enforcing standards, conducting research and educating the public. 

GPERI is a public-private partnership among emergency responders and pipeline operators established in 2012 to improve pipeline safety in the state of Georgia. The program is unique in that fire training instructors teach pipeline safety classes to responders, leveraging state training structures already in place, while developing responder ownership and awareness of pipeline safety. 

GPERI was initiated with a grant from the Georgia Public Service Commission. It is currently managed by the Georgia Association of Fire Chiefs and funded through contributions by pipeline operators throughout the state.

For more information about GPERI, see: http://www.gafc.org/projects.php

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