ISO 29001 oil and gas

Courtesy: ISO 29001 oil and gas

ISO/TS 29001: 2010 defines the quality management system for product and service supply organizations for petroleum, petrochemical and natural gas industries. ISO/TS 29001 requirements are similar to API Q1 system specifications, such as, control features/documentation methods for conception, purchasing, training and other fundamental company activities. The standard also includes unique sector requirements for design, development, production, installation, and product services.

The ISO/TS 29001 standard is an extension of the internationally recognized ISO 9001 quality management systems standard. It includes additional requirements with an emphasis on defect prevention and the reduction of variation and waste from service providers. These requirements have been developed separately to ensure that they are clear and auditable. The ISO/TS 29001 standard has been developed as a direct result of a partnership between ISO and the international oil and gas industry led by the American Petroleum Institute – API. ISO/TS 29001 specifically focuses on the oil and gas supply chain.

Who Benefits from ISO/TS 29001?

ISO/TS 29001 is available for use by manufacturers, both upstream and downstream, of oil and gas industry equipment and materials, service providers to the oil and gas industry, and purchasers of equipment, materials, and services. The standard can also be used for organizations to perform 2nd party auditing of their suppliers and for 3rd party certification purposes.
Organizations may benefit from this standard if they:

• Have involvement in exploration, production, pipelines, transportation, and refining of petroleum and natural gas products
• Have involvement in the design, manufacturing, installation, service, and repair of equipment used in the exploration, production, transportation, and refining of petroleum and natural gas products
• Provide technical, operational, and support services to the various industry sectors identified above

Why Implement ISO/TS 29001?

In a safety critical industry, independent verification of the quality of your services, through ISO/TS 29001 certification, demonstrates your commitment to quality to both clients and stakeholders. Not only does it cover your systems and processes, it also shows you care about your personnel and the public.

Risk is inherent in the oil and gas industry. Rigorous conformity to engineering, user and regulatory requirements are required in the industry that handles fluids (liquids and gases), often at extreme high pressures, through a variety of products and processes. If the hazardous liquids and gases are mistreated or improperly managed, they can inflict catastrophic damage to people and the environment. Considerations for the safety of personnel are of major importance. Protection of the environment and the public require a high level of operational integrity.

Complicating matters, oil and gas industry equipment and service providers are dispersed globally, and many operate in underdeveloped countries with very different cultural approaches. Adherence to ISO/TS 29001 ensure better business continuity (maintenance of revenue streams, both for companies and for national economies) and should assist in mitigation of operational risks as a result of products being in full conformance with specifications and regulations.

Benefits of implementing ISO/TS 29001

• Improved ability to gain license to trade, resulting in increased contracts and prospects
• Demonstration to stakeholders and customers of your commitment to quality and best practices
• Better risk management and increased performance
• Streamlined operations which improve quality and reduce waste
• Continual improvement having resulted from improved communication and regular assessment
• At this time, this certification is voluntary. It is not yet covered by accreditations. Concerned manufacturers are likely already applying ISO/TS 29001-specific requirements by following contractual or statutory requirements specific to the field, such as traceability. SRI auditing staff is uniquely qualified to be a value-added part of your journey to develop your quality system.