Introduction to Pipeline Pressure Testing

Mr. Lael has been involved with the pipeline industry for over 45 years. He has worked for various State Pipeline Regulatory agencies (Illinois, Connecticut, and California) and the Federal government (Transportation Safety Institute, now known as Training and Qualification’s [T&Q]).  More recently, Mr. Lael has worked for major petroleum pipeline operators as a code compliance officer and Operator Qualifications Administrator. He has been responsible for determining the operator’s compliance with Federal and State pipeline safety regulations and determining the intent of current and proposed PHMSA regulations.

Mr. Lael spent 10 years working with ConocoPhillips as the OQ administrator for the company OQ program. His employment with ConocoPhillips evolved from his initial employment with Tosco Corporation starting in 1999, merged into Phillips Pipeline Company in 2001, and finally into ConocoPhillips in 2002. He was responsible for the OQ qualifications for approximately 950 employees and over 1,500 contract individuals.

Mr. Lael has worked as an expert witness on legal cases concerning pipeline safety and accident/incident investigations. Mr. Lael has investigated numerous natural gas and petroleum pipeline explosion and fires.