Pipeline Safety Management Systems (SMS)

API Recommended Practice (RP) 1173, First Edition

In 2015, the pipeline industry completed the development of American Petroleum Institute (API) Recommended Practice (RP) 1173, Pipeline Safety Management Systems (Pipeline SMS). Created at the recommendation of the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), API RP 1173 was developed by pipeline operators for pipeline operators.

This framework is the culmination of a two-year effort by pipeline operators, state and federal regulators, and other engaged stakeholders collaborating to advance the goal of zero incidents. Along with ensuring that safety is the top priority, the document has been recognized by both NTSB and the Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration (PHMSA) for the positive contribution it has made in furthering safe operations throughout the industry.

Read about operator testimonials and leading implementation practices in the 2023 Annual Report.

Key Benefits

Comprehensively Manage Pipeline Safety Efforts

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Improve Pipeline Safety Performance

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Reduce Financial Risk with Safer Operations

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A Vital Tool for Safety

A Vital Tool for Safety

The Plan-Do-Check-Act Cycle is central to every safety management system and a vital tool for continuous improvement of pipeline safety performance.

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A Vital Tool for Safety
Enable Continuous Improvement

Enable Continuous Improvement

A Pipeline SMS equips pipeline operators with the tools they need to continuously and comprehensively track and improve their safety performance.

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Insights

Contractor Assessment Tool Published to Measure Maturity
Contractor Assessment Tool Published to Measure Maturity
API and the Pipeline SMS Industry Team created this implementation tool to assist contractors and service providers in planning SMS implementation as well as gauging maturity of their safety programs.
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Contractor Assessment Tool Published to Measure Maturity
Contractor Guidance Framework Issued to Support Implementation
Contractor Guidance Framework Issued to Support Implementation
The American Petroleum Institute (API) published Pipeline SMS: A Contractor’s Guide to give pipeline contractors and service providers an enhanced understanding of how the scope of their work should be integrated with an operator’s Pipeline SMS.
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Contractor Guidance Framework Issued to Support Implementation
NTSB Turning to Voluntary Recommendations
NTSB Turning to Voluntary Recommendations
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Safety watchdogs at the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are starting to favor recommending voluntary measures to industry rather than demanding regulatory changes, an agency pipeline official said.
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NTSB Turning to Voluntary Recommendations

“A Pipeline SMS is a systematic, deliberate approach to managing the safety of the workforce, the public and the company’s asset. […] It is all employees being empowered to raise a concern and taking action to mitigate a potential problem. It is continuously improving our processes, procedures, performance and culture. It is not a project with an implementation clock. It is an ever-evolving journey to zero incidents.”

- Nancy Conder, Director of Safety Management Systems and Quality, CenterPoint Energy, Houston, TX