Document No.

GP 43-49
Applicability Group
Date 20 January 2006

Guidance on Practice for

Pipeline Integrity Management Systems
(PIMS)

GP 43-49

BP GROUP
ENGINEERING TECHNICAL PRACTICES
20 January 2006 GP 43-49
Guidance on Practice for Pipeline Integrity Management Systems (PIMS)

Foreword

This is the first issue of Engineering Technical Practice (ETP) BP GP 43-49. This Guidance on
Practice (GP) is newly created and is not based on heritage documents from the merged BP
companies.

Copyright  2005, BP Group. All rights reserved. The information contained in this
document is subject to the terms and conditions of the agreement or contract under which
the document was supplied to the recipient’s organization. None of the information
contained in this document shall be disclosed outside the recipient’s own organization
without the prior written permission of Director of Engineering, BP Group, unless the
terms of such agreement or contract expressly allow.

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Guidance on Practice for Pipeline Integrity Management Systems (PIMS)

Table of Contents
Page
Foreword.......................................................................................................................................... 2
Introduction...................................................................................................................................... 4
1. Scope...................................................................................................................................... 5
2. Normative references.............................................................................................................. 6
3. Symbols and abbreviations.....................................................................................................7
4. Overview................................................................................................................................. 7
4.1. General........................................................................................................................ 7
4.2. Setting up PIMS........................................................................................................... 8
4.3. The PIMS process........................................................................................................8
4.4. Application during project stages................................................................................10
4.5. Application during operations.....................................................................................11
5. PIMS documentation.............................................................................................................12
5.1. Overall approach........................................................................................................12
5.2. Contents of PIMS.......................................................................................................12
5.3. Pipeline system and PIMS overview...........................................................................13
5.4. Regulatory and BP group requirements.....................................................................13
5.5. System description.....................................................................................................14
5.6. Roles and responsibilities...........................................................................................15
5.7. BOD and operations...................................................................................................15
5.8. Risk management......................................................................................................16
5.9. Mechanical or structural integrity................................................................................16
5.10. Protective systems.....................................................................................................17
5.11. Project and operating procedures..............................................................................17
5.12. Emergency response.................................................................................................18
5.13. Incident reporting and investigation............................................................................18
5.14. MOC........................................................................................................................... 19
5.15. Performance management.........................................................................................19
5.16. Documentation and control procedures......................................................................19
6. Further guidance................................................................................................................... 20
Annex A (Normative) Annual assessment.......................................................................................21
Annex B (Normative) Key roles and responsibilities.......................................................................22
Annex C (Informative) Typical time-line for PIMS...........................................................................24
Bibliography................................................................................................................................... 25

List of Figures

Figure 1 – Pipeline integrity management system............................................................................7

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Guidance on Practice for Pipeline Integrity Management Systems (PIMS)

Figure 2 – The PIMS process......................................................................................................... 10

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Guidance on Practice for Pipeline Integrity Management Systems (PIMS)

Introduction

Pipeline systems onshore and offshore provide a safe and efficient means of transporting a wide range
of fluids from oil, gas petroleum products, to chemicals. They are found in all parts of the BP Group
from upstream production flow-lines, to export pipelines in all segments, including downstream
delivery of raw materials, chemicals, and refined products.

Effective Pipeline Integrity Management improves operational performance, through enhanced health,
safety, security, and environmental performance and business performance, through increased
availability and productivity. This enhances BP’s license to operate and our objective of being a
responsible operator.

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1. Scope

GP 43-00 defines a pipeline system and stipulates that a Pipeline Integrity Management System
(PIMS) be established for every pipeline system in use in the BP Group.

This GP provides guidance on the key elements when setting up PIMS as part of an integrated suite of
BP Engineering Technical Practices designed to ensure that the user has best access to best practices,
lessons leant, and other support tools in order to deliver optimum and continuing improvement in
performance.

This GP provides a framework from which PIMS can be developed to meet both Regulatory and BP
Group expectations. It is not the intention of this GP to provide detailed guidance on each of the
elements that make up the framework of PIMS, as this is covered by other Group Engineering
Technical Practices (ETPs).

It is primarily for use by those responsible for the pipeline system, at any stage of its life, and is
applicable for both project teams and operations. As such, it should be driven by the Engineering
Authority and Pipeline Technical Authority in each Project or Business Unit.

This GP shall be used by project engineering and operations staff whether employees of BP, agency
staff, or companies engaged by BP during a project or operation. If the pipeline is not operated by BP,
the BP representative shall endeavour to ensure that the components of the PIMS are implemented, as
detailed in this standard, and that an agreement is in place for any divergences.

Pipeline Integrity Management is an integrated process with many processes and procedures that are
interlinked (illustrated in Figure 1). It is process of continuous improvement that requires a clear
understanding of the design and operating parameters, risks and reliability, inspection requirements,
and of assessment for continued operation. This cannot be achieved without the use of experienced
people in all levels of our organization.

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Figure 1 – Pipeline integrity management system

Audit
Baseline Training Inspection &
assessment Maintenance

PIPELINE
INTEGRITY
Engineering MANAGEMENT Fitness for
& Design SYSTEM Service
(PIMS) PDAM

Risk & Operation Repair

Reliability Control & and
Monitoring Rehabilitation

To ensure the integrity and reliability of our operations, a management system is used for each
pipeline system. This is known as the Pipeline Integrity Management System (PIMS). This should not
be confused with leak detection or In Line Inspection which may form part of the overall process.

Pipeline Integrity is not something that can be left to the operating phase as many of the key decisions,
taken in the early project phase, directly affect the long term integrity of the pipeline system. These
include flow assurance, corrosion control, and inspection requirements. Pipeline Integrity
Management is also not just about the physical hardware and the design for structural integrity it is
also about the safe and efficient operations, competency of people, and response when things go
wrong..

Across the world, regulatory requirements have moved in different directions. In the North Sea there
has been a focus on organisation, responsibilities, and risk based inspections, driven by the UK’s
Health and Safety at Work legislation. In North America the regulations have tended to focus on fixed
inspection and assessment intervals. This GP recognises the diverse approaches that exist across the
business segments in BP. More particularly the requirements of this GP have been developed based on
the requirements of the BP Group Standard on Integrity Management.

2. Normative references

The following normative documents contain requirements that, through reference in this text,
constitute requirements of this technical practice. For dated references, subsequent amendments to, or
revisions of, any of these publications do not apply. However, parties to agreements based on this
technical practice are encouraged to investigate the possibility of applying the most recent editions of
the normative documents indicated below. For undated references, the latest edition of the normative
document referred to applies.

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Guidance on Practice for Pipeline Integrity Management Systems (PIMS)

BP
IMS Group Integrity Management Standard.
GP 32-30 Guidance on Practice for Inspection and Testing of Equipment In Service
- Management Principles.
GP 43-00 Guidance on Practice for Pipeline Systems.
GP 43-06 Guidance on Practice for Responsibilities of an Operator.
MPCP Major Project Common Process.

American Petroleum Industry (API)

API RP 1160 Managing System Integrity for Hazardous Liquid Pipelines.

American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)

ASME B31.8S Managing System Integrity of Gas Pipelines.

3. Symbols and abbreviations

For the purpose of this GP, the following symbols and abbreviations apply:

BOD Basis of design

BU Business unit

EA Engineering authority

FIMS Facilities Integrity Management System

IM Integrity management

MAR Major accident risk

MOC Management of change

O&M Operations and maintenance philosophy

PIMS Pipeline Integrity Management System

TA Technical authority

SIMS Structural integrity management system

SOR Statement of requirements

SPA Single point accountability

WIMS Well Integrity Management System

4. Overview

4.1. General
a. Each BU shall ensure that the approach taken for PIMS is consistent with the Group policy
document for HSE, the Group Integrity Management Standard, together with the Major
Accident Risk process in relation to risk assessment methodology.

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b. When using this ETP reference still needs to be made to local and national regulatory
requirements. This document shall be read in conjunction with BP Group policies and
Standards. It shall also be read in conjunction with the full suite of Engineering Technical
Practice documents relating to Pipelines, Category 43 and in other referenced documents.

4.2. Setting up PIMS

a. The SPA shall ensure that clear roles and responsibilities are established for setting up a
PIMS organisation and delivering PIMS.
b. The PIMS process shall be a live, ongoing process from design to decommissioning. Key
factors for success include:
1. Ownership at the highest level within the BU.
2. Continuous support and input from all levels across the organisation.
3. Clarity on roles and responsibilities.
4. Competency of personnel to develop and meet the PIMS requirements.
5. Open and regular communication and engagement of personnel across all areas for
integrity.
6. Allocation of sufficient funds and resources to deliver.
c. The PIMS organisation shall be distinctive with its focus being delivery of pipeline
integrity and thus the availability of the pipeline for operations.
d. The Pipeline TA shall report directly to the EA (appointed by the SPA) who has
responsibility to ensure that:
1. All aspects of integrity are considered and assessed.
2. Regular communications are maintained across groups involved in the PIMS process.
3. Formal assessment is carried out and recommendations with regard to pipeline
integrity are reviewed, adopted, and implemented.
4. Action tracking is maintained.
5. Preparation of an annual summary integrity report on the pipeline for the SPA.
6. Arranging audits of PIMS.

4.3. The PIMS process

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Figure 2 – The PIMS process

a. A key element of the PIMS process is formalised assessment that the pipeline system is fit
for continued operation:
1. GP 43-00 requires that the SPA shall establish a PIMS organisation and system for
each pipeline and that this shall be based on Group Standard for Integrity
Management.
2. The SPA shall ensure the technical integrity of the pipeline system during design,
construction, commissioning, and in operation, through the appointment of an EA
3. A formalised review of the pipeline condition and fitness assessment for continued
operation shall be carried out on an annual basis.
4. Recommendations and actions from the review shall be clearly recorded.

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5. The review should be lead by the SPA for the pipeline supported by the EA, Pipeline
TA, and Operations Manager.
6. The review shall include inspections and reports made throughout the year and should
include each of the elements described in clause 6.
7. Although the pipeline may have many different sections and components for
ownership, design, operation, inspection, and emergency response, the pipeline shall
be addressed and reviewed as one system from the source of pressure to the point of
discharge.
8. The review should include representatives from upstream and downstream facilities
to ensure that the pipeline system can be considered as a whole and that
communications and interfaces are effective.
9. Incidents affecting pipeline safety, integrity, or operation shall be investigated,
recorded, and be included in the review process.
10. The use of PEER assists and reviews should be part of the overall process to ensure
that critical elements have been appropriately identified and that assurance processes
are working effectively and are appropriate for the identified risks.

4.4. Application during project stages

a. During the Project phase, the EA with Operations personnel in the project team shall
therefore address the following areas:
1. Early assessment and management of risks is essential for providing longer term
integrity management of the pipeline.
2. The use of an appropriate and effective pipeline route selection should reduce many
of the geotechnical risks and the use of appropriate designs and selection of materials
reduces risks of corrosion or the consequences of third party impact damage.
3. Consider how the condition of the pipeline will be assessed during operation to verify
that the pipeline is fit for continued operation.
4. Develop and deliver many of the documents and procedures required to operate the
pipeline. These documents shall be clear and concise, reflecting the key risks and
processes to manage them to ensure that the pipeline integrity is not compromised
during the design life.
5. Key risks and design aspects shall be clearly communicated to operational personnel
and inspection processes and procedures shall be established to verify that the
pipeline is fit for continued operation.
6. If specific designs have been developed, it is important that requirements shall also be
developed to verify that the design is performing as planned and to provide guidance
on when intervention works may be required.
7. If designs use materials at the limits of current technology suitable inspection
processes to detect critical defects or failure mechanisms may not be available. These
shall be developed as part of the project deliverables.
8. Ensure that quality control during construction effectively addresses the risks
identified and does not compromise the longer term integrity of the pipeline system.

4.5. Application during operations

a. During the operations phase, PIMS provides the basis for managing the residual risks and
maintenance of the facilities to provide an efficient operation and verification that the
pipeline is fit for continued operation. To achieve this, formalised inspections and
revalidation shall be implemented.

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b. The PIMS process is not just about the condition of facilities and the review process shall
therefore address the wider elements included in Integrity Management Standard.
c. If pipeline systems have not had any formal assessments for a number of years and the
condition is unknown, a baseline survey shall be required.

5. PIMS documentation

5.1. Overall approach

a. PIMS documentation and processes shall reflect and capture the key design and operating
conditions that affect pipeline integrity and shall provide data in a format that will assist a
formalised annual assessment process verifying fitness for continued operation.
b. Responsibility for each document in the system shall clearly be stated together with how
and when they should be reviewed and updated.
c. An integrated approach shall be used for the development of PIMS documentation. The
decisions made during the project phase can directly affect both accessibility to data and
ease of updating details.
d. Reference should be made to BP Group Procurement and Supply chain management and to
procurement initiatives and to Group Digital Communications Technology when
establishing new systems.
e. Clear ownership and the procedure by which PIMS is maintained and updated shall be
established.
f. Data inputs shall be addressed in the quality assurance and quality control procedures.
g. Security of information and control of access to information shall require specific
attention.
h. Use of proprietary systems shall be considered although there is a clear preference to
standardise systems across the group if possible.
i. Whatever system is used, it should be flexible and shall be suitable for external review,
e.g., by Regulatory Authorities.

5.2. Contents of PIMS

Each system shall require specific documentation and may require increased focus in some
areas. Based on existing regulatory requirements, the Integrity Management Functional
Standard, and best practice observed across the BP group, the following list provides a basis for
the key processes and documentation that should be collated in PIMS:
a. Pipeline system and PIMS overview.
b. Regulatory and BP Group requirements.
c. System description.
d. Roles and responsibilities.
e. BOD and Basis of Operations.
f. Risk management.
g. Mechanical and structural integrity.
h. Protective systems.
i. Project and Operating Procedures.
j. Emergency response.
k. Incident investigation.

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l. MOC.
m. Performance management.
n. Documentation and control procedures.

5.3. Pipeline system and PIMS overview

a. The overall structure and the context in which the pipeline system is operated shall be
provided, including:
1. An overall diagram of the pipeline system.
2. A statement on the objectives and purpose of the pipeline system.
3. Ownership and relation to upstream and downstream assets.
4. PIMS objective.
5. A flowchart for the PIMS process.
6. Reporting and formalised review requirements.
b. If the pipeline systems form just one part of an integrated system, the overall framework
shall be given and it should be noted where common processes are used.

5.4. Regulatory and BP group requirements

a. The framework and constraints for operation shall be clearly stated. These shall include:
1. A concise statement on planning and controls and which regulatory requirements
apply as these may affect the design, operating, and reporting requirements.
2. Reference to BP Group requirements.
3. Reference to any specific inspection or revalidation requirements.
b. Responsibility for and custodianship of documentation shall be clearly stated. Such
documentation shall be tracked for changes and updates.
c. Reference shall be made to where and how legal documents and permits relating to the
pipeline are kept and maintained.
d. As the pipeline system is developed, there may be specific requirements or restrictions
imposed on the operation as part of the permits to operate, and these shall be captured so
that the Basis of Operation is clearly understood by all those involved. This may include
limits of the life of the pipeline and actions to be taken at the end of the asset life.
e. Legally required documentation shall be clearly identified and documentation shall be
maintained to allow formal review.

5.5. System description

a. Each pipeline system shall be clearly identified with system limits and interfaces.
b. This shall address both upstream and downstream components from the source of pressure
to the point of discharge.
c. Physical limits of the system shall be identified to ensure that there are no gaps (or
overlaps) in the system.
d. Interfaces shall address design and operability and shall distinguish between ownership
and operation.
e. Separate interfaces shall be established for the components or facilities associated with the
pipeline system.

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f. Interfaces shall be clearly established for inspection schemes and between PIMS and
FIMS, WIMS or SIMS.
g. Interfaces shall be clearly identified by a physical point and responsibilities shall be
assigned for each side of the interface together with the process for communication and
transfer of information.
h. Each pipeline system shall be divided into a number of components and may be a
combination of pipe-work and equipment (e.g., topside pumps and pipe-work, pig trap,
riser, sub sea spool piece, SSIV, 500 m (550 yd) zone, etc.).
i. Each pipeline shall require documentation and formalised review.

5.6. Roles and responsibilities

a. Roles and responsibilities shall be clearly established for each section and for each activity
on the pipeline.
b. Clear responsibilities shall be established for Technical Integrity and for Operations.
c. The SPA shall ensure that all people in the organisation are competent and have the tools
and support for the work requested of them.
d. The EA shall establish an assurance process to establish the effectiveness of PIMS and the
competency of personnel to fill the roles.
e. A Pipeline TA shall be established for the pipeline system.
f. The Pipeline TA will report to the EA.

5.7. BOD and operations

a. A separate document (BOD) shall be established in the project Select phase that records
the pipeline system technical design and commercial requirements and operating limits.
b. The BOD shall be based on the operations requirements given by the SOR and O&M
Philosophy.
c. The BOD shall be maintained as a living document.
d. It should describe the current installation design, process, and operating philosophy with
any restrictions or limitations.
e. Typical contents shall include:
1. System description.
2. Current operating service and any future use or intent.
3. Legal or permit requirements.
4. Operational history including (pressures, water cuts, CO 2 and H2S levels).
5. Alignment drawings, process flow diagrams and P&IDs.
6. Materials of construction and as-built records.
7. Hydrotest records.
8. Engineering design and process description.
9. Design and operating parameters and assumptions.
10. Equipment details and performance data.
11. Environmental and soil data.
12. Corrosion management strategy.
13. Pipeline hydraulics.

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14. Operating and maintenance philosophy.

15. SOR.
16. Inspection assessment and repairs strategy.
f. The document shall capture any design assumptions and external conditions to provide a
basis for review and MOC.
g. Information should be only what is required for daily operations.
h. Information should be collated for each component of the system.
i. The future requirements of the system shall be clearly stated (e.g., the need to hand the
pipeline over at the end of a stated period “in good condition”).

5.8. Risk management

a. The risk management process and the assessments that have been carried out shall be
clearly stated.
b. These shall include clear statements on the assumptions made, level of risk, and actions
needed to mitigate the risk.
c. The assessments shall be carried out on the pipeline system in accordance with Group
Standard Practices and shall address both the threats and consequences.
d. To be able to manage risks along the pipeline threats and consequence shall be addressed
along the whole pipeline.
e. A risk register shall be established which shall be kept up to date and used to drive all
aspects of the pipeline design and operation.
f. The risk assessment process shall be clearly stated and shall include periodic reviews and
updates as the risk profile changes with time and experience.
g. The risk management process shall clearly state how incidents, other pipelines, or
infrastructure will be recognised and assessed.
h. A record shall be kept of the reviews carried out, suitable for audit, the actions taken, and
how the risks have been mitigated in design, construction and operation.

5.9. Mechanical or structural integrity

a. The basis for inspection and assessment of mechanical or structural integrity shall be
clearly stated and shall be based on a risk management process.
b. Each component of the pipeline line system shall be identified and distinctions shall be
made to identify safety critical systems and sections or areas that have a higher risk.
c. Inspection requirements shall be established for each component of the pipeline system
stating the type of inspection, frequency, and anomaly reporting criteria to be used.
d. Interfaces with the inspection requirements for facilities, structures, and well integrity
management systems shall be clearly stated.
e. The inspection programme shall comply with GP 32-30.
f. The assessment and reporting process shall be clearly stated including any reporting to
meet regulatory requirements and how anomalies will be reported and assessed.
g. Documentation requirements shall include how the BOD and basis of operations will be
updated.
h. The basis on which periodic revalidation of the pipeline shall be stated.
i. Clear reporting lines and actions shall be established in the event that an anomaly is
reported.

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5.10. Protective systems

a. The pipeline protective systems shall be identified, documented, inspected, and tested to
ensure they meet the design requirements and provide primary containment and protection
to personnel and the environment.
b. Records of assessments, maintenance, and testing shall be kept and changes to set points
shall be clearly recorded and communicated across the pipeline system.

5.11. Project and operating procedures

a. The policy for maintaining and updating Project and Operating procedures shall be clearly
stated.
b. Operating procedures shall be established during the project for the operational phases of
the pipeline.
c. During operations, the formal operating procedures in place shall focus on operating within
safe limits and the operating response in the event of an anomaly or incident.
d. The procedures shall address how the pipeline risks and condition are managed over time
and how these are reviewed and assessed.
e. Reference shall be made to the more detailed risk management process outlined in 5.8.
f. Separate operations requirements and procedures shall be established for wax and hydrate
management, corrosion, pigging, and the control of liquid inventories as conditions dictate.

5.12. Emergency response

a. Emergency response procedures shall be established for both the project and operational
phases of the pipeline.
b. These shall be tested on a regular basis, the nature, frequency, and scale of which are
driven by the risk assessment.
c. The policy and process for maintaining and updating emergency procedures shall be
clearly stated.
d. Details of what should be included in the procedures are given in GP 43-06.

5.13. Incident reporting and investigation

a. A formal process shall be established for reporting and investigating incidents.
b. This shall include clear guidelines as to what needs to be investigated and the process to be
followed.
c. Typical components may include:
1. Injury to personnel.
2. Loss of containment.
3. Excursions from the design or operating basis.
4. Operation procedures failures.
5. Protective system failures.
6. Detection of unexpected damage or rates of damage (e.g. high corrosion rates).
d. The procedures shall address the responses needed following an incident.
e. A register of incidents shall be available to allow evaluation of risks and procedures.
f. Lessons and incidents from other projects or operations should also be made available and
included in the process of evaluating risks.

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g. Lessons learnt shall be clearly recorded.

5.14. MOC
a. A formally documented system for management of change shall be established for the
pipeline system.
b. This should include changes to:
1. PIMS.
2. BOD and Basis of Operation including change of use.
3. Changes to the Risk Register (such as population density changes or previously
unrecognised risk).
4. Physical modifications.
5. Operations including temporary changes to operation procedures or maintenance
procedures.
6. Inspection and maintenance intervals or assessment techniques.
7. Organizational changes including roles and responsibilities.

5.15. Performance management

a. A documented performance management system shall be established with clear and
achievable targets.
b. Key Point Indicators (KPIs) should reflect the key risks that need to be managed.
c. These should include:
1. System maintenance (planned and unplanned interventions).
2. Procedure adherence (e.g. permits, pigging frequencies).
3. Condition of equipment (testing of safety critical equipment, repairs or use of
clamps).
4. Changes in external risk (number of encroachments with or without permits).
5. Inspection timing and follow up (timing of inspection, reporting, and response).
6. Non conformance report tracking.
7. Timing of inspections, reviews, and formalised assessments.
d. The KPIs shall be periodically assessed and used in the annual pipeline assessment for
fitness for continued operation.
e. The effectiveness of PIMS shall be verified by regular audit and review and included in the
overall business performance process.

5.16. Documentation and control procedures

a. Documentation and control procedures used in the development and management of PIMS
shall be clearly stated.
b. Controls shall be established for data entry and quality; access and security.
c. Audit protocols shall be established to demonstrate regulatory compliance and
conformance to Group reporting requirements and quality assurance.
d. The ability to access data from construction to abandonment shall be established at an
early stage in the project development.

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e. Suitable provision shall be made for maintenance of long term records and for maintenance
of legal documentation, including permits, approvals, and easement details.
f. Audit protocols shall be established for each part of PIMS.

6. Further guidance

a. Reference has been made to other GPs throughout this document.

b. Specific reference on PIMS can be found in API 1160 for liquid systems and
ASME B31.8S for and gas systems.
c. Further guidance can be found in Guidelines for Setting up and Operating a Pipeline
Integrity Management Scheme.
d. A useful web link is
http://integritymanagement.bpweb.bp.com/technical_integrity/pipeline_IM/original/Pipelin
e%20Intergrity%20Management_V2/PIMS%20Manual%20%20%20Pipeline%20Integrity
%20Management%20V2.pdf

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Annex A
(Normative)
Annual assessment

The formal assessment for continued operation shall typically address the following:

a. Timing: Annually following preparation of the statement on pipeline operation and

condition. Timing may be dictated by regulatory or shareholder requirements.
b. Attendees: SPA, EA, Pipeline Operator and Pipeline TA, Inspection Authority,
Representatives from across the system (e.g., Platform, Pipeline, Terminal).
Typical agenda:

a. Report on operations and condition of the pipeline system including surveys and
revalidation work carried out in the past year and the current operating status including
protective systems.
b. Review of changes that may affect the operation of the pipeline system including
regulations, Group requirements, physical modifications, and operating conditions.
c. Review of the incidents that affect the pipeline, the risk register, and anything that may
affect major accidents assessments, operating procedures, inspection or preventative
measures.
d. Review of emergency response preparedness.
e. Current condition of the pipeline including the adequacy of protective systems such as
chemical inhibition, cathodic protection and maintenance pigging.
f. Status of current operating procedures and competency of personnel.
g. Statutory reporting requirements.
h. Assessment of whether the pipeline is fit for continued operation.
i. Actions needed to allow continued operation included inspection or revised operating
conditions.
j. Date of next review.
The minutes of the meeting should be formally recorded including those present, key points of
discussion, actions to be taken, and a statement of fitness for continued operation.

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Annex B
(Normative)
Key roles and responsibilities

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Role
Single Point of
Accountability (SPA)
sometimes known as the
Pipeline Responsible Person
Typically this is the
Performance Unit Leader
(PUL) or the BU leader (BUL)
depending on the size of the
asset.
If multiple pipeline systems are
in operation, the detailed
review may be delegated;
however, the SPA is still
responsible for the safe
operation of the overall system
and each section in it.
This role is applicable to both
the Projects and Operational
phases for a pipeline system.
Engineering Authority (EA)
Pipeline Technical Authority
(Pipeline competent person) A
senior pipeline engineer
recognised by peers
GP 43-49
Guidance on Practice for Pipeline Integrity Management Systems (PIMS)
Key roles and responsibilities associated with PIMS
The SPA is responsible for:
• The overall safe operation and condition of the pipeline system (May also be
legally responsible for the pipeline system).
• Delegation of responsibility where appropriate.
Ensuring that roles and responsibilities are clear and that people are competent to
carry out their roles.
• Ensuring that adequate resources and funding are available for maintaining the
pipeline in a condition that is fit for continued operation or takes actions as
necessary to remove it from service.
• Ensuring that a PIMS process is in place and that a formal assessment process is
in place to verify that the pipeline is in a fit condition to allow continued operation.
• Ensuring that the standards of operation and procedures meet regulatory
requirements and BP Group requirements.
• Ensuring that actions arising from the assessment of the pipeline system are
implemented.
• Issuing formal reports on the condition of the pipeline to the regulator and
shareholders.
Appointed by the SPA, the EA’s role for pipeline system typically includes the
following:
• Coordinates the efforts of all TAs to ensure delivery of their responsibilities under
PIMS and ensures regular communications are maintained across the groups.
• Ensures that all aspects of integrity are routinely considered and assessed for the
pipeline system and reports any non compliance to the SPA.
• Ensures technical compliance with Group Standards and Site Technical Practices
and the competence of TAs.
• Prepares the annual summary integrity report on the pipeline fitness for continued
operation for the SPA.
• Ensures that formal assessments, audits and reviews are carried out for the whole
pipeline system and PIMS processes.
• Ensures that recommendations affecting pipeline integrity are implemented in a
timely manner.
The Pipeline TA is a pipeline discipline specialist who supports the EA. In this
context this person is typically responsible for the following:
• Carrying out technical assessments of the pipeline system.
• Completing an integrity review of all collated inspection and testing data, and
collating information on control of production processes, fluid variations, and
monitoring pressure, temperature, and flow rates on an ongoing basis.
• Provides specialist technical input into the development of integrity performance
standards, inspection and test strategies and programmes including suitable
acceptance criteria.
• Coordinates the efforts of other TAs to ensure delivery of their responsibilities
under PIMS.
• Assesses the effect of any process or equipment changes on pipeline integrity.
• Acts as the custodian of all auditable records.
• Makes recommendations to the EA & SPA to assure the ongoing integrity of the
pipeline.
• Issues a statement on integrity assurance in the form of an annual status report,
supported by recommendations if appropriate, to ensure overall integrity.
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20 January 2006
Role
Inspection Authority (IA)
This role may be as a
contracted position,
Independent Inspection
Authority (IIA) such as Lloyds
or DNV. It may be an in-house
role that coordinates inspection
activities. The IA may report to
the EA if they cover assets
across the Business or
performance Unit.
This role may be combined
with that of the Pipeline TA for
smaller systems.
Operations Manager
GP 43-49
Guidance on Practice for Pipeline Integrity Management Systems (PIMS)
Key roles and responsibilities associated with PIMS
Reporting to the Pipeline TA the IA typically:
• Develops and maintains inspection and maintenance requirements for each
pipeline section. May also coordinate inspections for FIMS, SIMS and WIMS.
• Plans and executes of the approved inspections and/or testing programmes to
meet the integrity performance standards.
• Reviews and approves inspection contractors’ work-scopes and procedures.
• Reviews and interprets inspection results.
• Assesses reported defects and other condition information.
• Reports findings against the set Acceptance Criteria (including updating the
Maintenance Management System) and advising if the findings affect the integrity of
the pipeline system.
• Prepares periodic reports on the status of the pipeline system and inspections
carried out.
• Maintains historical databases of inspection and test results.
• Informs Pipeline TA of Inspection results and any non conformance issues.
Appointed by the Single Point of Accountability is responsible for:
• The daily operation and maintenance of the system (Refer to GP 43-06).
• Ensures that adequate resources are available to operate and maintain the system
and that personnel are competent to fulfil their roles.
• Ensure that the system is operated in accordance with the BOD and Basis of
Operations.
• Ensures that Safe operating limits have been established and are tested.
• Approved Operating and Maintenance procedures are in place and regularly
tested.
• Ensures that pigging frequencies are met and that chemical treatment is working.
• Communication, Safety, security systems are in place.
• Emergency response procedures and equipment are in place.
• Monitors and records changes in fluid compositions.
• Maintains documentation system.
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20 January 2006 GP 43-49
Guidance on Practice for Pipeline Integrity Management Systems (PIMS)

Annex C
(Informative)
Typical time-line for PIMS

CVP Stage Typical Actions relating to PIMS

Appraise SOR in place.

Concept pipeline design developed with initial route selection.
Overall project risk assessment carried out.

Select BOD and PEP prepared. SOR updated.

Route selection with major geotechnical risks identified.
Preliminary hydraulics completed.
Corrosion risk assessment completed.
Operations Philosophy developed.
Inspection strategy developed.
Risk assessment and register developed.

Define QRA (if required), risk assessment and register updated.

Pipeline Route finalised.
Materials selected with QA/QC in place.
Integrity Management Strategy and high level procedures developed.
Operations Procedures identified and developed.
Preliminary Emergency Response Plan developed.

Execute QA/QC in place during construction.

MOC in place.
Documentation system fed with key data.
Operations procedures completed.
Detailed Integrity Management Plan developed.
Maintenance and inspection plan completed.
Operator and technician training in place with competency assessments.
Emergency response plan procedures finalised and tested.
Procurement of Repair materials, spares& inspection services.
Risk register updated.

Operate IM Standard requirements in place, including PIMS.

Risk register reviewed and maintained.
Operations & Maintenance Procedures in place.
Formal review of pipeline fitness for operation.

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20 January 2006 GP 43-49
Guidance on Practice for Pipeline Integrity Management Systems (PIMS)

Bibliography

[1] GP 43-01 Guidance on Practice for Principles of Onshore Pipeline Design and Project Execution.

[2] GP 43-02 Guidance on Practice for Principles of Offshore Pipeline Design and Project Execution.

[3] GP 43-17 Guidance on Practice for Pipeline Risk Management.

[4] GP 43-52 Guidance on Practice for Pipe Wall Inspection and Analysis of Results.

[5] GP 43-53 Guidance on Practice for Pipeline Intervention and Repair.

[6] GP 48-50 Guidance on Practice for Major Accident Risk.

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