Pipeline operators must now use a newer, more precise steel inspection standard

The US Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration has updated its rules for inspecting steel plates used in pipelines. Operators must now use a newer version of an industry standard for ultrasonic testing, which improves how flaws are detected.

This change means pipeline operators must use more advanced methods to check for defects in the steel plates that make up pipelines. The older standard allowed for less precise inspections, potentially missing small flaws that could grow over time. This update reduces the risk of pipeline failures by requiring better quality control at the manufacturing stage.