Projects
Projects: Projects for Investigator |
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| Reference Number | NIA_WWU_033 | |
| Title | Development of a Risk Based Approach for Safe Control of Operations | |
| Status | Completed | |
| Energy Categories | Fossil Fuels: Oil Gas and Coal(Oil and Gas, Refining, transport and storage of oil and gas) 100%; | |
| Research Types | Applied Research and Development 100% | |
| Science and Technology Fields | ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering) 100% | |
| UKERC Cross Cutting Characterisation | Not Cross-cutting 100% | |
| Principal Investigator |
Project Contact No email address given Wales and West Utilities |
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| Award Type | Network Innovation Allowance | |
| Funding Source | Ofgem | |
| Start Date | 01 October 2016 | |
| End Date | 01 October 2017 | |
| Duration | 12 months | |
| Total Grant Value | £78,951 | |
| Industrial Sectors | Technical Consultancy | |
| Region | Wales | |
| Programme | Network Innovation Allowance | |
| Investigators | Principal Investigator | Project Contact , Wales and West Utilities (100.000%) |
| Web Site | http://www.smarternetworks.org/project/NIA_WWU_033 |
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| Objectives | The objective is to develop a new risk based methodology to improve how complex tasks are planned, executed, and managed to enhance operational control whilst potentially streamlining the administrative process. The output will be the delivery of a revised industry standard that supports specific GDN and SCO requirements. The criteria for success of this project include: ; Creation of a risk based approach for management of the safe control of operations applicable; ; Defined training and competency requirements for roles required in an SCO process;; Clarity on processes required when multiple hazards are present; and; New guidance for dealing with audit & inspection requirements of SCO. ; Supplementary guide for GDNs to SCO GL/6 | |
| Abstract | At the time of Network Sale, in 2005 it was agreed that the four GDNs would continue to have a consistent approach to the Safe Control of Operations (SCO) procedures. As a result, the same suite of procedures has been used by all four GDNs. However although these procedures continue to require a common and consistent approach across the industry. The procedures are not flexible and do not take into account the risk of completing work on site. There are also many areas where IT and processes have improved and there is the opportunity to share best practice across the UK. The current Safe Control of Operation procedures are document in: ; IGEM/GL/6 Edition 2; GDN/PM/SCO/1,2,4,5The requirement for the identification of the level of SCO control to be allocated to a specific work activity is identified utilizing GDN/PM/SCO/1. This is very prescriptive and does not take into account the risk associated with a specific work activity. The proposal is to undertake a risk assessment of the current and any potential new SCO work activities and the associated controls required to ensure safe and efficient working on the gas networks. The full methodology proposed to undertake the Risk Based Approach to Safe Control of Operation, is set out below. The staged approach will facilitate the management of the development of a risk based approach, engagement of stakeholders, development of the procedure and development of an implementation guide for the GDNs. The main steps in the development of the risk based approach will be: Scoping & Risk Based Methodology DevelopmentThe development of the risk based approach will be under the guidance of the Gas Networks Collaboration Forum (GNCF) which meets at a national level between the GDNs. The project will take the format of an initial scoping exercise focusing on consultation with industry and stakeholders leading to the development of a new standard. Feedback will be gathered to compile views on extent of updates required in order to produce an over paper for GNCF detailing the proposed direction for approval. The Steering Group will hold a risk workshop to agree preliminary approach to be applied to updates, and circulated for input. The risk based methodology identified and is based on a standard 5x5 risk assessment methodology which will be applied to current SCO and identified non-SCO activities to produce a hierarchy of activities based on their risk. External Stakeholder EngagementThe Project Steering Group (PSG) will manage key consultation and engagement with the stakeholders and other interested parties. This will enable proactive consideration of potential impact of changes on training processes, whilst still enabling mobility of contractors and individuals within the industry. The engagement process will begin alongside the project. Develop 1st Draft of StandardFull revision to be done based upon scoping study recommendations and feedback collated from all stakeholders. Independent Chair to develop first draft and circulate to PSG for Comment. Develop 2nd Draft of StandardFull revision to be done based upon scoping study recommendations and feedback collated from all stakeholders. Independent Chair to develop second draft and circulate to PSG for Comment. External Stakeholder Standard ReviewThe Steering Group will manage key consultation and engagement with stakeholders and other interested parties. This will enable proactive consideration of potential impact of changes ontraining processes, whilst still enabling mobility of contractors and individuals within the industry. Final Report sent to IGEM as the holder of IGEM/GL/6 for Publishing in 2017. Development of Implementation guide for GDNsA supplementary guide will also be developed concurrently to the standard update which will enable consistent interpretation of the requirements of the new standard for the activities which impact GDNs.Note : Project Documents may be available via the ENA Smarter Networks Portal using the Website link above | |
| Publications | (none) |
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| Final Report | (none) |
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| Added to Database | 09/08/18 | |
