In 1998, Part A of the APIA Code of Environmental Practice (Pipeline Construction) was released. Since then, Parts B (Operations) and C (Decommissioning) have also been released.
In the six years since their release, the industry and the Regulators have embraced these Guidelines and they are now seen as the benchmark standard for management of environmental issues for pipelines.
During 2004-5, the APIA Health and Safety Committee drafted the APIA Onshore Pipeline Projects Construction Safety Guidelines and sent them to the industry for comment. A series of meetings was held with State Regulators around the country, and in August 2005, they were released for use.
The benefits of using an industry-developed, industry-specific code are many. The pipeline industry is national and works across states that each have their own legislation. Having a construction safety guideline that is supported by all Regulators helps organisations develop safety management plans with confidence that they will gain Regulator approval.
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Moreover, APIA is committed to a strategy which promotes good health and safety outcomes for the industry, and these Guidelines encourage the adoption of a uniform approach to managing health and safety on pipeline construction projects through the development of consistent project construction safety plans which effectively integrate with organisations’ health, safety and environmental management systems.
It is expected that the Guidelines will promote a common understanding of the safety philosophy, issues and processes that will contribute to excellent safety outcomes across the entire chain of participants involved in the pipeline construction process. A number of Projects have already adopted the Guidelines in establishing Construction Safety Management Plans.
As for the content of the Guidelines, the document is structured to give the organisation preparing their Construction Safety Management Plan a roadmap of things to consider. It is not prescriptive and allows flexibility for all projects, be they small, large, complex or simple.
Whilst adoption of the Guidelines is entirely voluntary, APIA encourages all those involved in pipeline construction to make full and effective use of these Guidelines so that they can be informed and active contributors on pipeline safety matters, and the industry can demonstrate its proactive approach in managing the health, safety and wellbeing of our people.
A copy of the Guidelines can be found on the APIA website.
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