Interview: Steve Allen Talks PSMS

This past week, I had the pleasure of writing this piece with EWN's own, Stephen Allen . Steve has mentored me in the areas of PSMS and damage prevention and I value his opinion on a lot of things. Especially on making maple syrup. If you know, you know.

Note: This wasn't in a studio, this wasn't planned, this is just a conversation about PSMS.

James: Steve, do you care to geek out on PSMS with me today? Do you mind jumping right in and explain what PSMS is?

Steve: Hey there, hi there, ho there. Geek out? Game on. Can I explain it? Absolutely! Pipeline Safety Management Systems (PSMS) is a comprehensive framework designed to identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with pipeline operations. Its primary goal is to avoid risks and ensure the safe transport of natural gas and other hazardous materials. By fostering a culture of safety and continuous learning, PSMS helps organizations proactively prevent incidents before they occur.

James: That sounds crucial to business and safety. So, I want to talk LDCs. Why is PSMS so important for Local Distribution Companies (LDCs)?

Steve: For LDCs, which are utilities responsible for delivering natural gas to customers, PSMS is essential. These companies must manage significant risks, from leaks and ruptures to external damage and operational errors. PSMS helps LDCs identify potential hazards early, implement controls to mitigate these risks, and continuously monitor their systems. This proactive approach not only enhances safety but also ensures regulatory compliance and operational reliability.

James: Can you tell us about the key components of a PSMS focused on risk mitigation?

Steve: Sure thing. A PSMS program designed to mitigate risk includes several key components (Note: we cleaned up this list based on his dialogue.):

• Leadership and Management Commitment: Strong leadership commitment is crucial for setting a safety-first tone across the organization.
• Risk Management: This involves rigorous processes to identify, assess, and prioritize risks, followed by implementing effective mitigation strategies.
• Operational Controls: Standardized procedures and controls are established to manage operations safely and minimize risks.
• Incident Investigation: A thorough process to investigate incidents, understand root causes, and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Emergency Preparedness and Response: Comprehensive plans and regular drills to ensure readiness for any emergency.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Engaging employees, contractors, regulators, and the community to support and enhance safety practices.
• Continuous Improvement: Regularly reviewing and refining safety practices based on lessons learned and evolving risks.

James: So you always talk about "the learning environment" when we talk PSMS. How does PSMS create a learning environment within an organization?

Steve: A key aspect of PSMS is fostering a learning environment where lessons learned from past experiences are used to drive continuous improvement. This involves (Note: Again, we cleaned up this list based on his dialogue.):

1. Incident Investigation and Analysis: After an incident, a thorough investigation is conducted to identify root causes and contributing factors. The insights gained are used to improve existing safety measures and prevent similar incidents in the future.
2. Training and Development: Ongoing training programs ensure that employees are well-informed about safety protocols and best practices. This helps in reinforcing a culture of safety and vigilance.
3. Feedback Mechanisms: Encouraging open communication and feedback from all levels of the organization helps in identifying potential issues early and fosters a sense of collective responsibility.
4. Documentation and Sharing of Best Practices: Documenting successful safety practices and lessons learned from incidents allows the organization to build a repository of knowledge that can be accessed and utilized by everyone.

James: Can you give us a real-world example where PSMS has significantly reduced risks and facilitated a learning environment?

Steve: Certainly! One prominent example is the aftermath of the Merrimack Valley incident. Following the explosions, LDCs in the region and beyond intensified their focus on PSMS. By adopting comprehensive risk management practices and fostering a learning environment, these companies have significantly reduced the likelihood of similar incidents. They’ve implemented rigorous training programs, enhanced their incident investigation processes, and established robust emergency response plans. This has led to a marked improvement in safety performance and operational reliability.

James: What challenges do LDCs face in implementing PSMS, especially in creating a learning culture?

Steve: Implementing PSMS and fostering a learning culture can be challenging due to several factors (Note: Once again, we cleaned up this list based on his dialogue.):

1. Cultural Shift: Transitioning to a culture where safety and continuous learning are prioritized requires time and persistent effort from leadership.
2. Resource Allocation: Ensuring adequate resources for training, system upgrades, and continuous monitoring can be costly and resource-intensive.
3. Stakeholder Engagement: Consistently engaging all stakeholders, including employees, contractors, and the community, to participate actively in safety initiatives can be difficult.

However, the long-term benefits, such as enhanced safety, reduced incidents, and improved operational efficiency, make these efforts worthwhile.

James: What advice would you give to an LDC looking to start or improve their PSMS, particularly in terms of risk mitigation and creating a learning environment?

Steve: My advice would be to start with strong leadership commitment to safety and risk management. Leaders should actively promote and participate in safety initiatives. Next, invest in comprehensive risk management processes to identify and mitigate risks proactively. Encourage a culture of learning by implementing thorough incident investigation procedures, offering continuous training, and fostering open communication. Finally, regularly review and improve your PSMS practices based on lessons learned and evolving industry standards. Remember, building a culture that prioritizes safety and continuous improvement is a journey, not a destination. Ignoring safety—it stinks!

James: Thanks again, Steve. It’s been a pleasure chatting with you.

Steve: The pleasure was mine, James - stay safe out there.

PSMS is happening, some would say this is the year of PSMS (or is it next year?). After hearing Steve talk on the topic over the last 5 years - you know, I think he might be on to something.

Search the hashtag: #PSMS and I'll see you there.