ASME B 31 Q Update Perspectives Warren Miller

ASME B 31 Q Update & Perspectives Warren Miller

DISCUSSION AGENDA • • • Overview of ASME B 31 Q Updates of B 31 Q Current uses by Industry Perspective of Operators Perspective of Regulators

ASME B 31 Q Overview • • • Scope covers tasks that impact the safety or integrity of the pipeline Technically based Prescriptive and Performance options 192/195 requirements are considered Not a regulatory document Intended for international use

ASME B 31 Q Overview • • • Standardized task list (168 total) Standardized reevaluation frequencies Identifies key qualification components Allows for portability Includes participation by all areas of industry

B 31 Q Future Changes • • • New technology Regulation changes Long-term degradation of physical abilities New appendix for interpretations Moving generic AOC list to other standards Develop out the 40 diving tasks

B 31 Q – You can Assist • • Comments to secretary Work through members Attend meetings Upcoming meetings • • San Diego, CA: Sept. 17 -18, 2014 New Orleans, LA: February 24 -25, 2015 Web site: www. asme. org Search on B 31 Q Committee

Updates of B 31 Q • • Current version out June 30, 2014 Greatest change was the further development of the covered tasks • • Built in components to address task specific issues/AOCs Remained out of “procedure” depth while revising the covered tasks.

Current Uses by Industry • Numerous operators are using B 31 Q • • • Instances of cost savings Covered tasks review Other operators have adopted certain parts of the standard • • Covered task list Evaluator requirements

Perspective of Operators • Gas and Liquid operators are split on use • • • In general – in 2005/2006 Some operators making changes now Most operators will not adopt B 31 Q until it is required by law • • Incorporated by reference Additional costs

Perspective of Regulators • • General belief that B 31 Q is a good guidance document for development and maintenance of an OQ program The standard addresses: • New construction • Evaluators • Training • Program effectiveness

What Does the Future Hold for OQ? • • • QO implementation – October 28, 2002 Public meetings – 2003, 2005, 2006 Continuing incidents and accidents with operator error Basic construction violations continue to be found during inspection Retirements and brand new personnel in the workforce Training issues

QUESTIONS? ? ? ?

Thank You! Warren Miller Senior Regulatory Compliance Specialist warren. miller@veriforce. com 281. 249. 5957