The Power of Management of Change in Pipeline Operations

If there's one process that keeps pipelines safe and operations running smoothly, it's management of change (MOC). An effective MOC means putting any change through a careful review before implementing it - whether that's changes to equipment, procedures, materials, roles, you name it.

Too many companies fall into the trap of thinking MOC only applies to major capital projects. But even small changes can have unintended consequences that lead to big headaches down the road - safety incidents, non-compliance penalties, unplanned outages, you get the picture. The smarter move? Treat every change like it could impact safety, operations, and permitting... because it just might.

Bringing All Perspectives to the Table

That's where getting buy-in from all stakeholders across the organization is game-changing for MOC effectiveness. You need regulatory/compliance teams ensuring the change follows all rules and standards. Environmental weighing in on potential impacts. Engineering validating technical feasibility. Operations confirming procedures are updated properly. Maintenance adjusting preventive care programs as needed.

The list goes on - safety, training, and other subject matter experts all need a voice in the process. With cross-functional representation, you bring together multiple lenses to analyze impacts from every angle. Each team catches risks the others may overlook when operating in silos.

The Costs of Shortcutting MOC

Yes, looping in several stakeholder groups adds extra steps. But think about the alternative costs of NOT following a rigorous MOC process:

• Safety incidents putting lives at risk
• Environmental damage leading to hefty fines and cleanup
• Equipment failures causing unplanned downtime and production losses
• General operational chaos and sub-optimal performance

One mishap is all it takes to turn those cut corners into a major liability that could have been avoided. The "quick win" of bypassing MOC quickly turns into an expensive, avoidable loss. Not worth it.

Building an MOC Habit

Committing to comprehensive MOC requires more than just procedures - it has to become ingrained in the organization's culture and mindset. Some keys to making that happen:

• Training staff at all levels on MOC principles and protocols
• Leaders modeling MOC discipline and holding everyone accountable
• Straightforward processes that facilitate instead of complicating reviews
• User-friendly tools enabling seamless collaboration across teams

When MOC reviews become the effortless, automatic way of doing things, you reap the benefits. Optimized safety and compliance. Reliable operations. Managed risk exposure. All unlocking stronger performance and a healthier bottom line.

At the end of the day, taking ownership of MOC responsibilities across your organization signals a commitment to doing things the right way, not the easy way. It's a safety and operational edge well worth the investment.

As always, Premier Safety Resources is here for your pipeline safety consulting, training, and project management needs. Send an email to [email protected] for any questions or to schedule a free consultation call. Click here to sign up for PSR's free newsletter, or visit our website here.