It is a highly regarded standard, recognised internationally, which is a tremendous reflection on the industry’s input. The Australian pipeline industry is a leader, not a follower, and was instrumental in the development of this successful standard.

In order to help pipeliners to attain a comprehensive understanding of this important document, APIA has commenced an education program for the industry on the fundamentals of AS2885 Pipelines Gas and Liquid Petroleum. The first of these seminar style programs was held in Adelaide on 23 August with over 60 people attending.

Information and guidance was provided by some of the industry’s leading technical experts, starting with an introduction to the principles and general requirements of the Standard by the Chairman of the overall committee responsible for the entire standard, Phil Venton.

The chairman of each of the sub-committees that prepared the standard as well as key members of the guideline document sub-committees presented papers. There were also interactive sessions, providing practical examples of the application of the Standard and which saw strong participation by attendees, helping to reinforce the lessons from the information being provided.

The need for a professional and compliant approach to the use of the Standard was emphasised as well as the need for appropriately qualified and trained people to undertake all work associated with the design, construction, testing, operations and maintenance of high pressure pipelines.

Richard McDonough, Manager- Engineering & Policy, Petroleum & Geothermal Group of Primary Industries & Resources SA, provided a summary of the regulatory community’s active involvement in the development of the pipeline standard since development was first commenced in 1968. This is highlighted by Richard’s involvement in the Standard as a long-serving member of the ME38/1 and ME38/3 sub-committees.

Richard reiterated the fact that AS2885 is strongly supported by all jurisdictions, as it provides a common framework for a productive relationship between the regulator and the industry. He emphasised that compliance with AS2885 should never be about regulatory compliance alone, but rather about a responsible industry meeting best practice in order to deliver safe, reliable and profitable pipelines.

All parts of the Standard are important and the seminar helped to demonstrate the interlinking of each of the parts, including through detailed discussion of the welding section, led by Leigh Fletcher, and operations and maintenance sections. APIA’s Technical Manager Ian Haddow presented on Safety and Operating Plans and Agility’s Ed Gaykema discussed Integrity Management. Ed was also lively in his ‘Soccer Coach’ talk highlighting how to ‘play the game to the rules’.

Although Part 1 - Design and Construction is currently under review, with an expected release later in 2006, there was an opportunity for attendees to ask questions regarding this part and the Chairman of the committee for this Part was able to provide specific answers.

Also, two key APIA guideline documents were explained and discussed. The APIA Onshore Construction Safety Guidelines were presented by Jenny Thompson of Vennto with an explanation of its applicability. While this document refers to major projects, the principles are applicable to smaller projects. Attendees were reminded of the need for a safe working environment and how this document can assist this aim.

At the APIA Convention in Adelaide in 2005 the complete revision of the APIA Code of Environmental Practice was launched. Attendees had the opportunity to learn how this Code applies to all aspects of the high pressure pipeline industry in a presentation by Oleg Morozow and Stephen Milne, both from RPS Ecos.

Both the Onshore Construction Safety Guidelines and the APIA Code of Environmental Practice are referred documents either in existing versions of the Standard or will be in the Revised AS2885 Part 1. These are available to members at no charge from the APIA website. Non-members can obtain them from the APIA secretariat for a small fee.

APIA remains committed to the education of its members and other interested parties in the applicability and use of AS2885 Pipelines Gas and Liquid Petroleum.

Seminars covering this topic will be conducted throughout Australia with the next seminar scheduled for 22 November 2006 in Brisbane. Seminars in the other capital cities will be held in 2007.

Also, in 2007, with the expected finalisation of AS2885 Part 1, a detailed presentation on the changes will be linked with the general AS2885 seminars, probably expanding them to two days in order to ensure full coverage of the major issues. In addition, seminars on Part 1 will be organised for Adelaide and Brisbane in 2007.

APIA urges members to ensure that they make the most of these seminars in order that the Australian pipeline industry maintains its current high standards.