Integration to PSMS
Stakeholder engagement is a core element of pipeline safety management systems, as described in API RP 1173. But, what is a management system? A management system is a systematic approach to integrating all programs within the system. The underlying foundation for a safety management system is safety – all programs are connected to safety.
If a company follows RP 1173 for a Pipeline SMS (Safety Management Systems), they will have a stakeholder engagement program as it is an element of the system. If this is the case, operators may want to do a gap analysis to see the alignment of their existing engagement program and the requirements of RP 1185, which goes into more depth of engagement.
RP 1185 provides a strong foundation for a company to develop an engagement program if one doesn’t exist.
Like RP 1173, RP 1185 is a journey, and there’s never an end or perfect state. Both follow the PDCA cycle to continually improve. Through self-assessments and formal assessments, areas of strength are identified as areas for improvement. Learning about and adjusting your program is about getting better. Sharing lessons learned with peers and the industry is encouraged, as sharing helps the industry improve overall.
Safety is a core value of the pipeline industry, so there are management systems plus a strong focus on safety culture. A strong engagement program dovetails into both.
As engagement programs are designed or reviewed, these terms, leveraged from pipeline SMS, may help.
Flexibility: Enhance safety regardless of where you are in your program.
Scalability: Make the program work for your company; no two companies will be the same.
Performance: Measure and report on performance; improve and share lessons learned to help the industry’s overall performance.
Journey: Your program is not a destination and will evolve. It is not intended to be perfect.