In examining events, PHMSA has discovered that a pipeline controller (controller as utilized herein is specified as the individual seated in the chair dealing with the control system) might be qualified but is not always successful in handling unusual scenarios or events. In fact, the controller’s ability to handle abnormal scenarios might be influenced by ineffective treatments, tiredness or even constraints in the pipeline SCADA system itself. To offer a balance in between systems, implementation and procedures that help controllers be more effective, PHMSA regulations provides the technique “Prevention through People.”.
There are two parts to the guideline: 1) Part 192 (gas) and 2) Part 195 (liquids). The guideline passed in December 2009 and ended up being reliable Feb. 1, 2010. To please this guideline, owners and operators with pipeline systems managed by controllers utilizing a SCADA Consultant have to have a compliance strategy finished by Aug. 1, 2011 and implemented by Feb. 1, 2013. Nevertheless, a freshly proposed rule would accelerate the implementation date to Aug. 1, 2011 for many products with a complete execution by Aug. 1, 2012. At the time this short article was written, the sped up guideline was still under consideration.
A Performance-based Rule.
The CRM guideline is mainly a performance-based standard. In general, the guideline identifies exactly what is required however not ways to meet the requirement. To comply, pipeline operators need to: 1) offer effective operating and maintenance procedures, including specific requirements for training; 2) match the control room environment and devices (consisting of software, screens, alarm processing, furnishings, lighting, noise, etc.) to human capability; and 3) provide controllers with warnings and assistance when unusual operations happen.
This last requirement provides one of the greatest challenges to pipeline operators– requiring solutions and systems that vary significantly from anything they have in their control rooms today.
PHMSA Compliance has stated publicly that it does not wish to recommend how pipelines run under the CRM guideline as each pipeline operator can best make its own choices. Even more, as a SCADA systems implementer, the company appreciates the fact that procedures frequently don’t provide specific guidelines on ways to build and deliver control systems that support controllers. Rather, they offer guidance. Therefore, substantial invention is typically needed.
Having actually experienced a number of other regulative modifications over the years, specialists started seeking alternatives. Particularly, trying to find specialists who knew the rationale and science behind the requirements to assist craft our options. Our method was to form relationships with vital outdoors experts and bring them into our process. One such expert is Doug Rothenberg, a Ph.D. engineer who rests on the API 1167 as well as the ISA-18.2 committees on alarm management. For more than 20 years, he has worked in alarm management and incident investigation for the power, petrochemical, refining and procedure markets. His book on alarm management consists of comprehensive approach on how to implement an effective alarm management program.