What is BS EN 16348 – SMS and PIMS for gas transmission infrastructure and pipelines about?
BS EN 16348 is a European Standard on gas infrastructure that discusses the general functional requirements for gas transmission. The main aim of the BS EN 16348 series is to ensure that the overall gas infrastructure is safe and reliable during operation.
BS EN 16348 specifies requirements that enable a Transmission System Operator (TSO) to develop and implement a safety management system (SMS) including an integrity management system specifically for pipelines (PIMS).
The SMS is applicable to infrastructure for the transmission of processed, non-toxic and non-corrosive natural gas according to EN ISO 13686 and injected biomethane, where:
- The pipeline elements are made of unalloyed or low-alloyed carbon steel
- The pipeline elements are joined by welds, flanges or mechanical joints.
Gas infrastructures for the transmission of natural gas covered by BS EN 16348 are:
- Pipelines onshore including valve stations
- Compressor stations
- Measuring and pressure reduction stations.
Gas distribution assets, as well as LNG plants, terminals, underground storages, are excluded from the scope of BS EN 16348.
Note: Occupational health and safety are excluded from BS EN 16348 because it is covered by national legislation and other European and/or international standards, e.g., OHSAS 18001.
Who is BS EN 16348 - SMS and PIMS for gas transmission infrastructure and pipelines for?
BS EN 16348 on gas infrastructure is relevant to:
- Natural gas industry
- TSOs
- Pipeline component and pipeline manufacturers
- Stations or plants for the transmission and distribution of gas
- Entities involved in design, construction, commissioning, decommissioning, operation, maintenance of gas pipelines
- Quality control and testing personnel
- Regulatory bodies
- Local and National authorities
Why should you use BS EN 16348 - SMS and PIMS for gas transmission infrastructure and pipelines?
TSO's infrastructure is based on the state-of-the-art management and maintenance practices of TSOs as these have proved historically to maintain high levels of safety, including improvements.
The reason for having an SMS and PIMS is to manage the safety aspects associated with operating underground transmission pipelines, which can be located in an open environment where the public can access the pipeline route.
In this regard, BS EN 16348 provides the general requirements, management commitment and safety policy and documentation of SMS and PIMS.
BS EN 16348 describes the resources, information systems and technical and organisational activities, for which the TSO is responsible and which are needed to prevent incidents and mitigate their consequences. These resources and activities are implemented according to the technical and economic requirements specific to each TSO. Through this SMS, the TSO and its stakeholders are ensured of a safe gas transmission infrastructure. The SMS enables the transmission system operator to comply with its policy and objectives to manage safety aspects.
Thus, a BS EN 16348-compliant SMS ensures safety of public, protection of urban, natural or industrial enviornment and the service life and reliability of natural gas infrastructure.
As a result, complying with BS EN 16348 can ensure your products and services play a positive role in the safety and performance of the overall gas infrastructure, thereby enhancing the credibility and reliability of your business.