December 2018 – WC Pipeline

Pipelines are well-known to be harmful to the environment. This is due to its responsibility of transporting hazardous substances, such as crude oil.

However, this is all for the sake of the industrial and energy sector to help their needs of energy.

That’s why maximizing the safety of the pipelines is the only option they have. So here are tips so you can reduce the chances for incidents in pipeline operations.

Know Your Pipelines

A good pipeline operator should monitor the pipelines transporting hazardous substances. But operators should not only simply monitor the pipelines, they should also know how they are designed and constructed.

That way, operating and maintaining these pipelines will be easier and go more smoothly. It will also help with preventing accidents and mitigate any damage if an accident is to occur.

Follow the International Standards

Besides knowing the design of the pipelines, operators should operate these pipelines in accordance to the international codes; they are there for a reason.

These standards and guidelines are proven and tested to improve the safety of pipelines. So there’s no reason to disobey them. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t go beyond.

Additionally, there are company specifications that should also be followed. All of this is to ensure that pipelines are as safe as they can be.

Consider Every Small Details

fittings 2784902 1280 1024x682 - 10 Pipeline Safety Recommendations for Pipeline Operators

Even the slightest detail about the pipelines can changed the course of the job. It might even prevent accidents.

These small factors can include the quality of materials, depth of burial, impact protection, markings, wall thickness, and more.

So in addition to knowing the design, pipeline operators should also know the specifications of the pipelines they’re working with.

Perform Hazard/Risk Assessments

Operators should also test the pipelines once in a while. This is to ensure that the operation is using the best out of all the options available.

This is also necessary to learn how to mitigate, or possibly prevent, unusual circumstances or incidents.

Implement Emergency Plans

exit 387227 1280 1024x768 - 10 Pipeline Safety Recommendations for Pipeline Operators

Emergency plans are useful for predicting future accidents and by knowing about them, employees or workers can figure out a way to resolve the issue beforehand. This will also help with avoiding circumstances such as panicking.

However, with an emergency plan, workers should already be prepared for anything that might happen. An emergency plan will be pointless if workers are unable to follow them.

Using the Proper Equipment

One of the contributing factors of pipeline safety is equipment. Just like with having worn out pipelines, using low-quality equipment will increase the chances of accidents.

It pays to remember that not all equipment is necessary for the safety of pipelines, and the equipment that are necessary, should be monitored regularly.

Monitor the Equipment

plumbing 840835 1280 1024x682 - 10 Pipeline Safety Recommendations for Pipeline Operators

Monitoring the pipeline equipment should be done regularly. If not, a drop on productivity or accidents may occur.

The operating pressure and temperature should always be monitored. There should also be automatic shutdown systems in case the volume of dangerous substance is exceeding the normal amount.

Operators should also be able to know if equipment should undergo maintenance, or it needs to be replaced.

There you have it! Ten expert safety precautions to ensure your pipeline is not a threat for any near-misses. Do you have a set routine in place to prevent any safety hazards? We’d love to hear what they are!

Comments closed

Shutdown of Pipelines: Great Idea?

gas pipe 65755 1280 1024x768 - How to Solve the Environmental Problems of Pipelines

There are many companies that have called for shutdown of existing pipelines and stopped constructing new ones. But this might not be the best thing that companies have done.

The shutdown of existing pipelines is okay, but instead of stopping construction, they should replace the old ones with new ones. It’s also better if the replacement will be bigger than normal.

So why is Bigger Better?

Constructing bigger pipelines means spending a lot less money rather than building a lot of small ones around the country. That means it will save some funds for companies that they may use for safety countermeasures instead.

But funding isn’t the only benefit of making pipelines bigger. Replacing the smaller ones with big ones means newer and higher-quality of materials.

Through this upgrade, pipeline spills and other incidents will have a lower chance of happening.

Route Planning

Having a fixed route to follow is also a great way to solve the environmental problems of pipelines.

Often times, the route of pipelines intersect with wildlife, vegetation, aquatic life, and even residential areas. All of this will contribute to pipelines’ dangers.

By laying out a plan to where the pipeline transports the oil, the operation can avoid doing any damage, both in the environment and to human life.

However, workers in pipeline companies aren’t too dedicated in doing this. So it’s recommended that they should implement a specific plan that workers should follow.