New API Standard Provides Framework for Pipeline Facility Safety Management Program

The American Petroleum Institute (API) announced the publication of a first-edition standard providing a framework for pipeline operators to develop a comprehensive pipeline facility integrity management program to strengthen efficiencies, prevent incidents and further reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“Pipeline facilities are a critical component of American infrastructure, providing a safe, reliable and efficient manner to deliver much-needed energy to consumers,” API’s senior vice president for Global Industry Services Anchal Liddar said. “This standard provides a means for operators to build a resilient facility integrity management program which is vital to ensure enhanced safety of industry workers, our communities and the environment.”

Recommended Practice (RP) 1188, Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Facilities Integrity Management, 1st edition, developed under API’s American National Standards Institute accredited program, outlines a plan-do-check-act cycle to carry out continuous assessment and improvement for a pipeline facility integrity program. This approach is considered “Best in Class” and is used to drive continuous operational improvement as in other API standards such as API RP 1173, Pipeline Safety Management Systems. This standard covers the integrity management of all pressure containing components directly used in the transport or storage of hazardous liquids within a liquids pipeline facility and is applicable to pipeline operators and integrity management inspectors.