Annual Fatalities

• Petroleum and oil pipelines caused an average of two fatalities each year from 2002 to 2006. Pipelines carrying natural gas caused an average of five annual fatalities.
  
  

Causes

• A variety of forces can damage petroleum pipelines, such as corrosion, third-party excavation, operator error, floods and earthquakes.
  
  

Security

• Petroleum pipelines represent a potential terrorist or vandalism target, according to the Congressional Research Service. Pipelines may be attacked by explosives or firearms or damaged through computer control systems.
  
  

Warning

• If you see a pool of petroleum liquid or dead vegetation near a pipeline, a leak may have occurred. A hissing sound and petroleum odor may also indicate a leak. Leave the area immediately. From a safe distance, call 911 and the pipeline company.