Page 149 - Pipeline Risk Management Manual Ideas, Techniques, and Resources

61126 Incorrect Operations Index
C6. Training IO pts oped and communicated with great care. A protocol should
C7. Mechanical errorpreventers 6 pts exist that covers these procedures: who develops them, who
approves them, how training is done, how compliance is veri-
C1. Procedures (0-7 pts) fied, how often they are reviewed. A document management
system should be in place to ensure version control and proper
The evaluator should be satisfied that written procedures cover- access to most current documents. This is commonly done in a
ing all aspects of pipeline operation exist. There should be evi- computer environment, but can also be done with paper filing
dence that these procedures are actively used, reviewed, and systems.
revised. Such evidence might include filled-in checklists and The evaluator can check to see if procedures are in place for
copies of procedures in field locations or with field personnel. the most critical operations first: starting and stopping ofmajor
Ideally, use of procedures and checklists reduces variability. pieces of equipment, valve operations, changes in flow parame-
More consistent operations imply less opportunity for human ters, instruments taken out of service, etc. The nonroutine activ-
error. Examples ofjob procedures include ity is often the most dangerous. However, routine operations
can lead to complacency. The mandated use ofpre-flight check-
0 Mainline valve checks and maintenance lists by pilots prior to every flight is an example of avoiding
Safety device inspection and calibration reliance on memory or habits.
Pipeline shutdown or startup A strong procedures program is an important part of reduc-
Pump/compressor operations ing operational errors, as is seen by the point level. Maximum
Product movement changes points should be awarded where procedure quality and use are
Right-of-way maintenance the highest. More is said about procedures in the mining vari-
Flow meter calibrations able and in Chapter 13.
Instrument maintenance
Safety device testing C2. SCADNcommunications (0-3 pts)
Management of change
0 Patrol Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) refers to
Surveys the transmission of pipeline operational data (such as pres-
0 Corrosion control sures, flows, temperatures, and product compositions) at suffi-
Control center actions cient points along the pipeline to allow monitoring of the line
Lock-out and equipment isolation from a single location (Figure 6.4). In many cases, it also
Emergency response includes the transmission of data from the central monitoring
location to points along the line to allow for remote operation of
and many others. Note that work near the line, but not actually valves, pumps, motors, etc. Devices called remote terminal
involving the pipeline, is also included because such activities units (RTUs) provide the interface between the pipeline data-
may affect the line. Unique or rare procedures should be devel- gathering instruments and the conventional communication

Common
communications

Valve station Pump station
Figure 6.4 Pipeline SCADA systems.