YOUR MAP TO PIPELINE SAFETY

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Pipeline operators are committed to improving safety performance and reaching a goal of zero pipeline incidents. Recognizing operators are at different stages of maturity, a flexible road map and suite of tools have been designed to support operators are they launch their efforts and begin the Pipeline SMS journey. Read more about membership.

Plan

Gain an understanding of Pipeline SMS, assess gaps, and develop an action plan

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Do

Track, evaluate and summarize my implementation status

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Check

Evaluate effectiveness with ratings for all aspects of RP 1173

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“Industry companies report the following returns from their investment in process safety: 5% increase in productivity; 3% reduction in production costs; 5% reduction in maintenance costs; 1% reduction in capital budget; 20% reduction in insurance costs.”

- American Institute for Chemical Engineers (AICHE)

Pipeline SMS Maturity Model

Measures the degree to which Pipeline SMS is comprehensive, systematic and integrated throughout an organization. The Pipeline SMS Maturity Model provides 5 levels of maturity, from Level 1 PLANNING to Level 5 IMPROVING. These maturity levels apply to all the various programs and activities an operator conducts under each of the 10 elements of API RP 1173. The assessment of a level is determined first for each element, and then for the overall company. For example, an operator might be at level 3 for one element, level 2 for another element, and level 4 for still another element, with an overall company level of 3.

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MORE PIPELINE SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

An operator’s Pipeline Safety Management System (Pipeline SMS) serves as the umbrella framework with specific management systems, including integrity, emergency response, leak detection and construction, ultimately forming a holistic approach to safety through metrics and implementation requirements.

Safely and Efficiently Respond In Case of a Leak or Spill

The goal of all operators is to conduct an efficient and safe emergency response in the event of an incident or spill. The guidance in API Recommended Practice (RP) 1174, Onshore Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Emergency Preparedness & Response, provides a framework for an effective emergency response, ensuring a response is carried out safely and help reduce potential environmental impacts through enhanced efficiency.

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Identify Risks and Prevent Incidents

The goal of any operator is to maintain pipeline integrity to prevent adverse effects on the environment and the public, with the ultimate objective being zero incidents. The guidance in API Recommended Practice (RP) 1160, Managing System Integrity for Hazardous Liquid Pipelines, provides a framework for an effective integrity management program, which helps focus resources on prevention activities that effectively.

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Develop a Robust Leak Detection Program

The desired goal of any pipeline operator is to maintain a robust leak detection program to facilitate appropriate actions to prevent adverse impacts to infrastructure, the environment, and public safety. The guidance in API Recommended Practice (RP) 1175, Pipeline Leak Detection – Program Management, provides the needed framework to develop sound practices within a pipeline company.

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Manage Pipeline Quality During Construction

The guidance in API Recommended Practice (RP) 1177, Recommended Practice for Steel Pipeline Construction Quality Management Systems, establishes minimum processes for companies that own and operate pipelines, as well as those that construct them.

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