API 1169 Pipeline Inspector Certification Program – A Case for Why it Should be the Industry Standard

Introduction

More than 2.6 million miles of pipelines deliver energy to homes and businesses across America. With the battle of the Keystone XL pipeline gaining worldwide attention due to extensive media coverage, there has never been a more opportune time to review and update current safety standards. The public has begun to take a much more active interest in the practices of the oil & gas industry.

Unfortunately, much of the interest is due to negative stories in the press. Combating the negative by making sure all precautions are taken when and where possible will not only help eliminate many of the “accidents” that have occurred recently, but it will also bring a higher level of integrity and increased accountability to pipeline operations.

Some hiring practices for new employees have been too lax for too long in the pipeline industry. Pipeline inspectors who have ever worked beside someone who was hired via the familiar “friends and family program,” recognize the need for more stringent hiring requirements than just knowing the right person.