NEB issues IA for all regulated energy companies following audit reports

Using a newly developed focused audit process, the NEB completed nine audit reports looking at eight companies. These NEB audits focused on two management system elements: investigating and reporting incidents and near-misses; and inspection measurement and monitoring.

In general, the companies audited demonstrated that they were conducting activities and identifying preventive actions required by regulations. Within the audit samples, the NEB noted some common areas for improvement such as updating processes, enhancing training programmes, improving documentation and records management. All companies audited have submitted Corrective Action Plans (CAP) to the NEB, and are already in the process of addressing the issues identified. The NEB will follow-up on all corrective actions.

The pattern of findings identified in the audits have highlighted the potential for similar issues across industry. As a result, the NEB is asking all regulated companies (not just those audited) to:

• Review the all information in the audit reports and consider all learnings.
• Compare the information in the audit reports against their management system.
• Use those findings to ensure their infrastructure meets the NEB’s regulatory requirements and consider any improvements.

This proactive measure supports the NEB’s goal of zero harm to people and the environment, and supports its commitment to preventing incidents before they happen.

New focused audit process

NEB-regulated companies are expected to have a robust management system in place supported by a strong safety culture. This focused audit process takes an innovative approach to reviewing company management systems. It will enable us to take a snapshot in time, therefore mapping out a clear picture of common issues across industry.

Rather than looking at one company’s entire management system, the new protocol looks at one requirement across multiple companies – essentially using our existing compliance data in a new targeted way that puts a spotlight on any systemic problems. The goal was to create a more flexible audit process that could be completed faster, with the ability to easily trend data and compare findings. These reports are also shorter and plain language, making them more accessible to Canadians.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/regulations-and-standards/17112017/neb-issues-ia-for-all-regulated-energy-companies-following-audit-reports/