Emergency Response Planning for Pipelines
Expert-defined terms from the Postgraduate Certificate in Pipeline Integrity Management course at UK School of Management. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
**A** #
**A**
Aboveground Facilities #
Facilities or structures that are located on the ground surface and are used in pipeline operations, such as valves, pump stations, and metering stations.
**Accessible Locations #
**
Locations that can be easily accessed and inspected, such as aboveground facilit… #
These locations are critical in emergency response planning as they allow for quick identification and resolution of issues.
**Accident #
**
An unexpected event or series of events that result in harm to people, the envir… #
Accidents can occur in pipeline operations due to various factors, including equipment failure, human error, and external events.
**Advisory Group #
**
A group of experts and stakeholders who provide guidance and recommendations on… #
The advisory group can include representatives from regulatory agencies, emergency response organizations, industry associations, and Indigenous communities.
**Alarm Systems #
**
Systems that detect and alert operators to abnormal conditions or emergencies in… #
Alarm systems can include pressure alarms, temperature alarms, and flow rate alarms.
**API (American Petroleum Institute) #
**
An industry trade association that represents the interests of the oil and natur… #
API develops and publishes standards and recommended practices for pipeline operations, including emergency response planning.
**As Low as Reasonably Practicable (ALARP) #
**
A principle that requires operators to reduce risks to a level that is as low as… #
A principle that requires operators to reduce risks to a level that is as low as reasonably practicable, taking into account technical, economic, and social factors.
**Audit #
**
An independent review of an organization's emergency response plan to ensure com… #
An independent review of an organization's emergency response plan to ensure compliance with regulations, standards, and best practices.
**Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) #
**
The organization or agency that has the legal authority to enforce regulations a… #
The organization or agency that has the legal authority to enforce regulations and standards related to pipeline operations and emergency response planning.
**B** #
**B**
**Barrier Analysis #
**
A technique used in emergency response planning to identify and analyze barriers… #
A technique used in emergency response planning to identify and analyze barriers that prevent or mitigate the consequences of accidents.
**Bunding #
**
A method of containing spills or leaks in pipeline operations by surrounding the… #
A method of containing spills or leaks in pipeline operations by surrounding the pipeline with a barrier, such as a wall or dike.
**Business Continuity Planning (BCP) #
**
A process of creating systems, policies, and procedures to ensure that critical… #
A process of creating systems, policies, and procedures to ensure that critical business functions can continue during and after a disaster or emergency.
**C** #
**C**
**CAP (Community Awareness and Protection) Program #
**
A program that provides information and training to communities located near pip… #
A program that provides information and training to communities located near pipelines to help them prepare for and respond to emergencies.
**Cause Analysis #
**
A process of identifying the root cause of an accident or incident in pipeline o… #
A process of identifying the root cause of an accident or incident in pipeline operations.
**CEPA (Canadian Energy Pipeline Association) #
**
An industry association that represents the interests of pipeline companies in C… #
CEPA develops and promotes best practices and standards for pipeline operations, including emergency response planning.
**Change Management #
**
A process of managing changes to pipeline operations, including updates to emerg… #
A process of managing changes to pipeline operations, including updates to emergency response plans.
**Checklist #
**
A list of tasks or actions that must be completed during an emergency response #
Checklists help ensure that all necessary actions are taken and that no steps are missed.
**Circumferential Cracking #
**
A type of crack that occurs along the circumference of a pipeline and can lead t… #
A type of crack that occurs along the circumference of a pipeline and can lead to leaks or ruptures.
**Class Location #
**
A classification system used to determine the risk of a pipeline based on popula… #
A classification system used to determine the risk of a pipeline based on population density and the potential consequences of an accident.
**CODR (Community Liaison Officer) #
**
An individual who serves as a point of contact between a pipeline company and th… #
The CODR provides information and assistance to the community during an emergency response.
**Communication Plan #
**
A plan that outlines how information will be communicated during an emergency re… #
A plan that outlines how information will be communicated during an emergency response, including who will communicate what messages to whom, and through what channels.
**Community Engagement #
**
A process of involving communities in the development and implementation of emer… #
Community engagement helps ensure that the needs and concerns of communities are addressed in the emergency response plan.
**Consequence Analysis #
**
A process of analyzing the potential consequences of an accident or incident in… #
A process of analyzing the potential consequences of an accident or incident in pipeline operations.
**Contingency Plan #
**
A plan that outlines the steps to be taken in the event of an emergency or unexp… #
A plan that outlines the steps to be taken in the event of an emergency or unexpected event in pipeline operations.
**Control Room #
**
A facility where operators monitor and control pipeline operations #
A facility where operators monitor and control pipeline operations.
**Corrosion #
**
A process of deterioration that can weaken a pipeline and lead to leaks or ruptu… #
A process of deterioration that can weaken a pipeline and lead to leaks or ruptures.
**Crack #
**
A break or fissure in the pipe wall that can lead to leaks or ruptures #
A break or fissure in the pipe wall that can lead to leaks or ruptures.
**Crisis Management #
**
The process of managing a crisis or emergency situation, including identifying t… #
The process of managing a crisis or emergency situation, including identifying the crisis, assessing the situation, and taking appropriate action.
**Critical Energy Infrastructure #
**
Infrastructure that is critical to the functioning of society, including pipelin… #
Infrastructure that is critical to the functioning of society, including pipelines, power plants, and refineries.
**Damage Prevention Program #
**
A program that aims to prevent damage to pipelines during excavation or construc… #
A program that aims to prevent damage to pipelines during excavation or construction activities.
**Dangerous Goods #
**
Substances that pose a risk to people, the environment, or property if not handl… #
Substances that pose a risk to people, the environment, or property if not handled or transported properly.
**Data Management #
**
**Decision #
Making Framework:**
A framework that provides guidance on decision #
making during an emergency response.
**Decommissioning #
**
The process of retiring a pipeline from service, including the removal of the pi… #
The process of retiring a pipeline from service, including the removal of the pipeline and restoration of the site.
**Deflagration #
**
A rapid combustion process that propagates at a velocity less than the speed of… #
A rapid combustion process that propagates at a velocity less than the speed of sound.
**Defense in Depth #
**
A strategy that uses multiple layers of protection to prevent or mitigate the co… #
A strategy that uses multiple layers of protection to prevent or mitigate the consequences of accidents.
**Department of Transportation (DOT) #
**
A U #
S. federal agency that regulates pipeline operations and emergency response planning.
**Design Basis #
**
The set of conditions and assumptions used in the design of a pipeline #
The set of conditions and assumptions used in the design of a pipeline.
**Desktop Exercise #
**
A type of emergency response exercise that simulates an emergency scenario using… #
A type of emergency response exercise that simulates an emergency scenario using tabletop exercises and discussions.
**Detailed Emergency Response Plan #
**
A comprehensive plan that outlines the steps to be taken in the event of an emer… #
A comprehensive plan that outlines the steps to be taken in the event of an emergency or unexpected event in pipeline operations.
**Disaster Recovery Plan #
**
A plan that outlines the steps to be taken to restore operations after a disaste… #
A plan that outlines the steps to be taken to restore operations after a disaster or emergency.
**Drills #
**
Exercises that simulate emergency scenarios to test and evaluate emergency respo… #
Exercises that simulate emergency scenarios to test and evaluate emergency response plans.
**E** #
**E**
**Emergency #
**
A situation that requires immediate action to prevent or mitigate harm to people… #
A situation that requires immediate action to prevent or mitigate harm to people, the environment, or property.
**Emergency Management Program #
**
A program that outlines the policies, procedures, and structures for managing em… #
A program that outlines the policies, procedures, and structures for managing emergencies in pipeline operations.
**Emergency Operations Center (EOC) #
**
A facility where emergency responders coordinate and manage the response to an e… #
A facility where emergency responders coordinate and manage the response to an emergency.
**Emergency Response Action Plan (ERAP) #
**
A plan that outlines the steps to be taken in the event of a specific emergency… #
A plan that outlines the steps to be taken in the event of a specific emergency scenario, such as a pipeline rupture or spill.
**Emergency Response Plan (ERP) #
**
A plan that outlines the steps to be taken in the event of an emergency or unexp… #
A plan that outlines the steps to be taken in the event of an emergency or unexpected event in pipeline operations.
**Emergency Response Procedures (ERPs) #
**
Detailed instructions for responding to specific emergency scenarios #
Detailed instructions for responding to specific emergency scenarios.
**Emergency Shutdown Procedure (ESD) #
**
A procedure that outlines the steps to be taken to safely shut down a pipeline i… #
A procedure that outlines the steps to be taken to safely shut down a pipeline in the event of an emergency.
**Emergency Support Function (ESF) #
**
A function that provides support to emergency responders during a disaster or em… #
A function that provides support to emergency responders during a disaster or emergency.
**Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB) #
**
A former regulatory agency in Alberta, Canada, responsible for regulating pipeli… #
A former regulatory agency in Alberta, Canada, responsible for regulating pipeline operations and emergency response planning.
**Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) #
**
A process of evaluating the potential environmental impact of a proposed project… #
A process of evaluating the potential environmental impact of a proposed project or activity.
**Equipment Maintenance #
**
The process of maintaining and repairing equipment used in pipeline operations #
The process of maintaining and repairing equipment used in pipeline operations.
**Escalation Plan #
**
A plan that outlines the steps to be taken if an emergency response is not succe… #
A plan that outlines the steps to be taken if an emergency response is not successful in resolving the emergency.
**Event Tree Analysis (ETA) #
**
A technique used in emergency response planning to analyze the possible outcomes… #
A technique used in emergency response planning to analyze the possible outcomes of an initiating event.
**Excavation #
**
The process of digging or removing soil or other materials from the ground #
The process of digging or removing soil or other materials from the ground.
**Exercise #
**
A simulation of an emergency scenario used to test and evaluate emergency respon… #
A simulation of an emergency scenario used to test and evaluate emergency response plans.