API Introduces New Contractor Assessment Program to Enhance Pipeline Safety

WASHINGTON, October 30, 2024 – The American Petroleum Institute (API) today announced the launch of the new API Pipeline Safety Management System (SMS) Contractor Safety Assessment Program, building on the success of its established Pipeline SMS: A Contractor’s Guide and its associated implementation tools. This program is the culmination of API’s work with the Distribution Contractors Association to help meet both contractor needs and operator’s priorities for pipeline SMS implementation. The program provides pipeline contractors with access to experienced safety professionals who offer feedback on safety management systems, promoting greater alignment with pipeline operators and improving safety across the industry. 

"The API Pipeline SMS Contractor Safety Assessment Program is the next step in our ongoing efforts to enhance pipeline safety by standardizing safety management practices and enabling greater alignment between pipeline operators and contractors,” API Senior Vice President of Global Industry Services Anchal Liddar said. “Contractors participating in this program gain access to valuable tools and guidance that will further our industry’s efforts to mitigate risks and enhance safety across the supply chain.”

Building on Success
API first introduced the Pipeline SMS Assessment Program in 2020 to support operators in implementing Recommended Practice 1173, Pipeline Safety Management Systems (PSMS). The program has been adopted by pipeline operators, providing detailed feedback to improve safety protocols and reduce risks. The API Pipeline SMS Assessment Program has now reached 32% of all crude transported and 23% of all refined products transported in the United States. The new API Pipeline Contractor Assessment Program expands this effort, offering pipeline contractors similar opportunities to enhance their safety management systems in alignment with operator requirements, offering a suite of options that can help contractors at any point along their safety journey.

For more information about the API Pipeline Contractor Assessment Program, visit api.org/contractorsafety.

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 API represents all segments of America’s natural gas and oil industry, which supports nearly 11 million U.S. jobs and is backed by a growing grassroots movement of millions of Americans. Our approximately 600 members produce, process and distribute the majority of the nation’s energy, and participate in API Energy Excellence®, which is accelerating environmental and safety progress by fostering new technologies and transparent reporting. API was formed in 1919 as a standards-setting organization and has developed more than 800 standards to enhance operational and environmental safety, efficiency and sustainability.

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