Pipeline Safety Management System (API RP 1173) has a requirement for establishing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Developing good KPIs is always difficult. US OSHA has recently published a guidance document for developing leading KPIs, which includes KPIs for safety management systems. The guidance document can be accessed here.

RCP has developed a library of leading KPIs for the PSMS elements using a similar approach to the OSHA guidance. If you would like assistance in setting up leading KPIs, RCP is available to help you develop KPIs specific to your situation and the supporting procedures for the gathering and recording of input data, calculating the KPI and interpreting the trends. For additional information please contact Jessica Foley.

The US DOT announced that PHMSA is awarding $60.3 million in formula grants to support pipeline and underground natural gas storage (UNGS) safety programs at the state level. Pipeline Safety State Base Grants reimburse up to 80 percent of a state’s annual operating costs based on state estimates and each state’s most recent program performance scores. PHMSA-certified state pipeline safety programs inspect more than 80 percent of the nation’s 2.8 million miles of gas and liquid pipelines.  

In 2018, PHMSA began awarding grants designed to support state inspection and enforcement of applicable UNGS regulations. Like the State Base Grants, UNGS grants reimburse up to 80 percent of total actual costs related to personnel, equipment, and essential activities to participating states. For more information, visit the DOT/PHMSA Grants website.

Underground Gas Storage
RCP is the market leader for underground gas storage integrity and risk management.  We have unmatched industry leaders, including Rick Gentges, Steve Nowaczewski, Terry Rittenhour, Phil Baker and more, available to assess your program and provide practical feedback and recommendations for improving your gas storage integrity and risk programs.  For more information about RCP’s underground gas storage integrity management and risk analysis services, visit our website  or contact Jessica Foley.

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) is seeking comments from interested parties and the public on the draft rules, Chapter 4901:1-16 Gas Pipeline Safety, regarding gas pipeline safety. The proposed rules, which are part of the commission’s regular five-year review cycle, incorporate the following:

• Adoption of the 2019 federal gas pipeline safety regulations
• Requiring gas pipeline operators to have a plan for abandoning inactive service lines
• Creation of detailed reporting requirements for gas gathering line owners
• Allow commission staff to serve gas pipeline owners via emails

Comments on the proposed draft rules are due September 13, 2019. A copy of the proposed rule changes are available on the PUCO website. Click on the link to Docketing Information System (DIS) and search for case 19-47-GA-ORD.