API Publishes New Guide for Innovative Drone Use In Natural Gas and Oil Industry

WASHINGTON, D.C., May 29, 2019—Today, API announced the publication of its Guide for Developing a UAS Program in the Oil and Natural Gas Industry, which will help ensure worker and operational safety as the industry introduces drones in its operations.

“API is excited to announce a new guide for drone programs in the natural gas and oil industry, which have and will continue to grow significantly as new systems, applications, sensors and techniques are developed to make drone operations more tailored to the industry. The industry works to continuously integrate the latest technology, including the use of drones, to enhance safety and increase efficiencies in operations. However, before adopting their use, operators need to consider data protection, standard operating procedures, contingency planning, and risk management,” said Suzanne Lemieux, manager in API’s midstream and industry operations group. “Safety is always our industry’s top priority, and this guide ensures owners, operators, and service providers that are considering entering the industry all introduce UAS into operations in a thoughtful way.”

API represents all segments of America’s oil and natural gas industry. Our more than 600 members produce, process and distribute most of the nation’s energy. The industry supports more than ten million U.S. jobs and is backed by a growing grassroots movement of millions of Americans. API was formed in 1919 as a standards-setting organization. In our first 100 years, API has developed more than 700 standards to enhance operational and environmental safety, efficiency and sustainability.