Analysis of a Third-Party Action Incident in a Gas Pipeline: A Case Study of the Cuiabá Lateral Pipeline in Brazil

Abstract The impact of third-party actions remains a primary cause of induced failures in transportation systems. In response, the operational safety management system needs continual revision and robust implementation to mitigate such risks effectively. This study goes through the analysis of an incident involving the rupture of a gas pipeline, specifically examining the event that happened in January 2021 along the Cuiabá Lateral Pipeline in Mato Grosso, Brazil. A comprehensive comparative evaluation is undertaken, contrasting the investigation taken by the pipeline operator, and the analysis conducted by the regulatory body. Within the Brazilian context, operators are mandated to adhere to the Technical Regulation of Onshore Oil and Gas Pipelines (RTDT), a regulatory framework grounded in process safety, encompassing requirements for inspection, community engagement, and incident investigations. The regulator assumes an important role in evaluating the investigations carried out by operators. This research sheds light on the divergent perspectives surrounding the management system, depending on whether it is viewed from the operator’s lens or the regulator’s standpoint. Operators tend to emphasize community actions, whereas regulators focus on the efficacy of preventive measures against third-party actions, underscoring the significance of inspection frequency.