Plastic pipes for gas lines get a new safety standard

The US Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration updated the industry standard for plastic pipes used in fuel gas distribution. This means gas companies can use a newer, more tested version of the standard for their plastic pipe installations.

For years, gas companies had to follow an older standard for their plastic pipes, even as the industry developed better ones. This update means they can now use the latest version, which should make installations safer and reduce confusion. It also helps meet a 1995 law that requires federal agencies to use private industry standards when possible.