Australian Pipelines and Gas Association (APGA) Chief Executive Cheryl Cartwright has celebrated the Australian oil and gas industry as world leaders in public safety regarding natural gas transmission pipelines.
Ms Cartwright made the following comments at the recent Australian Oil and Gas Exhibition and Conference in Perth.
“The design, construction and operation of our natural gas transmission pipelines is underpinned by a rigorous industry Standard that puts public safety at the forefront of decision-making,” Ms Cartwright said.
“The influence of the Standard, which is developed and updated by dedicated members of our association who are experts in their field, has been felt throughout the industry.”
APGA works through committees of members who share information to help the industry continue to improve its safety outcomes.
“For example, the Health Safety and Environment Committee commissioned a fatigue management study involving a detailed examination of workers on a 28 to 7 shift,” Ms Cartwright said.
“As a result of the study, we developed industry guidelines for managing the health and safety of workers in remote locations.
“The long-distance driving required at many remote work sites had been another focus of our members and, after examination of the issue by the committee, driver training and increased monitoring of drivers at remote constructions sites with in-vehicle monitoring systems are now the norm in the industry.”
The operators group, which meets twice a year and communicates regularly, examines maintenance efficiencies and safety, ensuring Australia’s pipelines are among the safest in the world.
“The senior people in our industry are also very keen to ensure the next generation maintains and enhances the culture of public and workplace safety in our industry,” Ms Cartwright said.
“Our very active Young Pipeliners Forum (YPF) celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, and its success has also generated interest from young people overseas who want to start similar groups in their own industries.
“The knowledge shared with these young people is critical to developing their understanding of the responsibility for safety in the industry and for the public.
“The industry is focused on safety now and will continue to be so in the future.”
