Making Progress in Implementing Pipeline Safety Management Systems by Gas Distribution Operators

Abstract Pipeline Safety Management Systems (PSMS) is the formal top-down, organization-wide approach to managing risk through systemic procedures, practices, and policies. A PSMS underpinned by a strong safety culture assures the effectiveness of safety controls. This paper will present the background regarding the need for PSMS in order to reach the goal of zero incidents, the status of PSMS implementation by gas distribution operators in the U. S., the feasibility of PSMS implementation by operator size, and finally, ideas that can help promote the implementation of PSMS.