Using PHMSA enforcement records in research.

Use enforcement records to identify research questions and examine case context, while distinguishing allegations, outcomes and regulatory requirements.

Identify the document and case stage.

Read the source document and establish whether it records an allegation, response, order or another case event.

Follow the cited provision.

Inspect the regulation and relevant dates rather than treating the case summary as the rule.

Compare with care.

Record differences in facts, documents and case stage. An example does not establish a pattern or predict another operator's outcome.

Check the source and date

Use the cited government regulation or case document to establish what it says. Check the relevant date, scope and later amendments before applying it. Related interpretation letters, guidance, summaries and case allegations have different roles; they do not all state a binding requirement.

Continue your research

Record your question, the source passages you reviewed and anything still uncertain. KONDWIT can help organize that research; your team remains responsible for reviewing the conclusion.

See the research workflow or request a demo.

• 49 CFR Part 192: a research guide.
• 49 CFR Part 195: a research guide.
• Research enforcement in regulatory context