Organizations in our industry face a whole host of challenges around program management – implementing and tracking your operation’s safety program, introducing new personnel (from turnover, M&A’s, etc.), or maintaining regulatory compliance – to name a few. Additionally, you’re tasked with finding the best way to address those challenges with confidence. Considering these challenges, a …
Historically, transmission pipeline operators have focused on preventing and mitigating physical risks and threats to pipeline assets. It’s no secret why. The Preventive and Mitigative (P&M) regulation (49 CFR 192.935 for Gas Transmission Pipeline Integrity Management) primarily focuses on these “on the pipe” risks. The regulation cites third-party damage, outside force damage, valve failure, pipelines …
For many years, the pipeline industry has been very good at planning and doing. However, the industry has not been very good at formally checking and acting, which has increased the risk and consequence of safety issues in pipeline operations. In this era of Pipeline Safety Management Systems (PSMS), operators need to be Planning, Doing, …
PDCA Check: Close the Pipeline SMS Loop Through Check & Act Read More »
In late 2021, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) issued a new final Gas Gathering Rule bringing 400,000+ miles of pipeline assets under federal jurisdiction. In this blog, we will take a high-level look at the new regulation contained in the PHMSA Gas Gathering Rule and present information on how the rule might …
New PHMSA Gas Gathering Rule Regulations: How Does This Affect You? Read More »
In September 2010, a natural gas pipeline ruptured in San Bruno, California that led to the release of approximately 47.6 million cubic feet of natural gas. The gas ignited, causing a fire that damaged property, people, and the environment. More than a decade later, the San Bruno incident continues to serve as a reminder that …
NTSB Most Wanted List 2021-2022: Support Safety Through Quality Management Control Read More »
Public Awareness programs for pipeline operators have historically been limited by a lack of engagement with stakeholders. Now, there is an opportunity to digitize Public Awareness programs so that operators can improve engagement and take the next step in supporting pipeline safety. Public Awareness is an important piece of Stakeholder Engagement within a Pipeline Safety …
