Pipeline Personnel Qualification. ASME B31Q Update. Presented by: Mike Gruenberg Southwest Gas Corporation

Transcription

1 Pipeline Personnel Qualification ASME B31Q Update Presented by: Mike Gruenberg Southwest Gas Corporation

2 Historical Perspective 1999: PHMSA published Operator Qualification (OQ) rule 2002: NTSB labeled Operator Qualification as unsatisfactory 2003: PHMSA issued 13 areas they considered as gaps in the rule 2003: Four public meetings held to address the 13 issues 2003: ASME B31Q Project Team formed to develop a technically sound, holistic, consensus standard for the qualification of pipeline personnel 2005: PHMSA amended OQ rule to address training, on-the-job performance and reporting significant plan changes 2006: ASME published the first edition of B31Q 2010: ASME published the second edition of B31Q

3 Underlying Principles of ASME B31Q Scope covers tasks that impact the safety or integrity of the pipeline Technically based Prescriptive and Performance options Performance options should have higher expectations on processes Limited number of simple processes for each technical issue with freedom to develop operator s own methods

4 Underlying Principles of ASME B31Q Clear should be clear and concise Durable adequate for multiple cycles Complete answers all known technical issues Sound technically sound foundation Use existing rule where practical Not a regulatory document

5 ASME B31Q Benefits Standardized task list Standardized requalification frequencies Identifies key qualification components Allows for portability Rationales are embedded in document Accepted by PHMSA Reduction in future changes to OQ rule

6 Work-in-Progress from 2006 Standard Editorial refinement Portability Jobs vs. Tasks Qualification exemptions New construction New tasks Expanded task criteria

7 Integrated Task List Examples Task 1231 Inside Gas leak Detection L G D Difficulty Importance Interval Method Span of Control X X YRS. Initial/Sub: P&W/O Task Guidance: This task includes the investigation of reported or discovered leaks of operator s lines inside a building in relation to emergency response. This also includes initiation of precautionary actions (make safe). Repairing and proving the integrity of customer piping and lighting customer utilization equipment are not included. 1:1 1) Identify requirements 2) Perform test equipment check 3) Perform leakage investigation 4) Initiate precautionary actions 5) Recognize and react to AOCs 6) If required, complete documentation

8 Additional Guidance: Identify requirements: Leak investigation procedures Select the appropriate leak investigation equipment Combustible gas indicator Laser Methane detector Flame Ionization Infrared Soap Field start up of equipment Check filters, probes, fuel supply, batteries, etc. Operational check as required by manufacturer Periodic calibration check

9 Additional Guidance: Perform leak investigation Make customer/caller contact Check for the presence of a combustible gas throughout the structure Include areas such as: floor drains, electrical outlets, at ceiling level, and other areas where gas could accumulate Initiate precautionary actions Eliminate sources of ignition Evacuate the structure Implement emergency response actions Continue to monitor Recognize and react to AOCs If required, complete documentation

10 Integrated Task List Components Task 1291 Locate Underground Pipelines L G D Difficulty Importance Interval Method Span of Control X X X YRS. P&W/O 1:1 Task Guidance: This task includes locating underground pipelines utilizing maps, records, and locating equipment. It also includes placing temporary markers or markings. 1) Identify requirements 2) Select method for locating 3) Perform test equipment check 4) Visually inspect locate area 5) Locate pipelines and place temporary marker(s) 6) Recognize & react to AOCs 7) If required, complete documentation

11 Additional Guidance: Identify requirements: Line Locate Procedures One-call ticket Select the method for locating Direct connection Indirect connection Documentation Perform test equipment check (if applicable) Split box Single frequency Multi frequency Ground penetrating radar Acoustic

12 Additional Guidance: Visually inspect locate area Identification of the locate area (white lines) Pipeline markers Pipeline facilities (valve box, meter sets, regulator stations, etc.) Evidence of excavations Evidence of other utilities Previous locate marks (paint, whiskers, flags, etc. ) Locate Pipeline Validate/compare physical locate to existing documentation Maps Service cards As-builts Construction drawings

13 Additional Guidance: Pothole/expose facility if documentation and physical locate do not match Place temporary markers on successfully located facility Paint Flags/chasers/whiskers Stakes If required, complete documentation Create work order to correct errors in facility location documentation

14 New Covered Tasks Under Consideration Operations and maintenance of auxiliary equipment Dehydrators Separators Heaters Coolers

15 Other Non Task Related Items Under Consideration New technology Long-term degradation of physical abilities New appendix for interpretations

16 PHMSA Perspective B31Q addresses the OQ noncompliance issues found to date. PHMSA has publicly stated If you meet ASME B31Q, you will meet the regulation.

17 Standards vs. Regulations Keeping Things in Perspective International standards No jurisdictional bounds Regulators can adopt all or part of a standard

18 Ways to Participate Comments to secretary Work through members Attend meetings Upcoming meetings Dallas, March 24-25, 2009 Denver, August 2009 Web site: Search on B31Q Committee

19 Summary Value of current standard More work to be done Your participation is welcome Using the standard now and in the future

20 Questions

21 Contact Information ASME: Mike Gruenberg (702)