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Pipeline OQ Programs: What Works, What Doesn’t, and What Needs to Change | Risk Matrix Episode 160
Risk Matrix #160: Pipeline OQ Programs: What Works, What Doesn’t, and What Needs to Change
“Sometimes complexity can be the enemy of the goal, which is everyone is safe and everyone understands what they need to be doing.”
A pipeline operator qualification (OQ) program can meet documentation requirements and still be difficult for workers to understand or implement. But do the procedures reflect how work is actually performed in the field? And do operators know who’s performing covered tasks on their regulated pipeline facilities?
In episode 160 Dr. Logan F. Martin and James Junkin welcome Jordan Volz, Director of Regulatory Compliance at Veriforce, to discuss insights from the National Association of Pipeline Safety Representatives (NAPSR) and how operators can strengthen pipeline safety through clearer OQ procedures, contractor oversight, and continuous improvement.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Simplifying OQ programs doesn’t mean lowering qualification standards. Unnecessary complexity can make an operator qualification program difficult to understand and implement. Jordan explains why operators should evaluate how their OQ tasks align with written procedures and the work being performed in the field. The goal is to make programs easier to manage while maintaining applicable qualification requirements.
- Qualification records are only part of an effective OQ program. Documented qualifications don’t always tell operators how well workers understand and perform their assigned tasks. Jordan emphasizes the importance of involving field personnel in reviewing procedures, identifying gaps between written requirements and actual working conditions, and creating opportunities for feedback that supports continuous improvement.
- Contractor oversight starts with knowing who’s performing the work. Jordan emphasizes the importance of knowing which contractors and subcontractors are working on regulated pipeline facilities, what tasks they’re performing, and which qualification requirements apply. He and James discuss why verifying qualifications, maintaining accurate records, and communicating with the people doing the work are important parts of managing OQ programs and strengthening contractor oversight.
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