API, industry groups release Pipeline Safety Management Systems report

The Pipeline Safety Management Systems (SMS) 2021 Annual Report found that 85 percent of total industry pipeline mileage participated in voluntary Pipeline SMS implementation.

The Pipeline SMS is a systematic approach to managing safety in the pipeline industry, helping contractors create a safety culture and work to advance a zero-incident future.

“This past year, we continued to expand the dialogue with stakeholders and provided support for all operators on this journey,” outgoing Pipeline SMS Industry Team Chair and Black Hills Energy Vice President of Natural Gas System Safety John Hill said. “We continue to see the convergence of personal and pipeline safety and overall improvement in safety culture – the best predictor of safety outcomes.”

The Pipeline SMS initiative is led by the American Petroleum Institute (API), Association of Oil Pipe Lines (AOPL), American Gas Association (AGA), American Public Gas Association (APGA), GPA Midstream Association, American Pipeline Contractors Association (APCA), Interstate Natural Gas Association of America, and Distribution Contractors Association (DCA).

“Over the past five years, the liquids pipeline industry has witnessed the impact of SMS implementation, driving reductions in both total incidents and incidents impacting people and the environment,” incoming Pipeline SMS Industry Team Chair and Enbridge Director of Safety and Reliability Governance Cindy Graham said. “But there is more work to be done. The Industry Team will help operators who have not yet implemented SMS, as well as those who want to advance their SMS maturity. Working together, we are focused on improving industry’s pipeline safety performance through universal SMS implementation.”