prEN 17649

Gas infrastructure - Safety Management System (SMS) and Pipeline Integrity Management System (PIMS) - Functional requirements

This document specifies requirements on the development and implementation of a Safety Management System (SMS) and a Pipeline Integrity Management System (PIMS). The SMS is applicable for system operators of a gas infrastructure. The PIMS is applicable for system operators of gas infrastructure with a maximum operating pressure (MOP) over 16 bar.
This document refers to all activities and processes related to safety aspects and performed by system operators of a gas infrastructure, including those activities entrusted to contractors. It includes safety-related provisions on operation of the gas infrastructure
The described SMS is applicable to infrastructure for the conveyance of processed, non-toxic and non-corrosive natural gas according to EN ISO 13686 and non-conventional gases such as biomethane and hydrogen and substitute natural gases including injected gases.
This document covers also EN 16726, which specifies gas quality characteristics, parameters and their limits, for gases classified as group H that are to be transmitted, injected into and from storages, distributed and utilized. The requirements and test methods for biomethane at the point of entry into natural gas network are covered by EN 16723 1.
This document can apply for gas infrastructure conveying gases of the 3rd gas family as classified in EN 437.
Specific requirements for occupational health and safety are excluded from this document. For these, national legislation and other European and/or international standards, e.g. OHSAS 18001, apply.
This document specifies common basic principles for gas infrastructure. It is important that users of this document are aware that more detailed national standards and/or codes of practice may exist in the CEN member countries. This document is intended to be applied in association with these national standards and/or codes of practice setting out the above-mentioned basic principles.
In the event of conflicts in terms of more restrictive requirements in national legislation/regulation with the requirements of this document, the national legislation/regulation takes precedence as illustrated in CEN/TR 13737 (all parts).
NOTE 1   CEN/TR 13737 (all parts) contains:
-   clarification of relevant legislation/regulations applicable in a country;
-   if appropriate, more restrictive national requirements;
-   national contact points for the latest information.

Gasinfrastruktur - Sicherheitsmanagementsystem und Rohrleitungsintegritätsmanagementsystem - Funktionale Anforderungen

Dieses Dokument legt Anforderungen an die Entwicklung und Umsetzung eines Sicherheitsmanagement-systems (SMS, en: safety management system) und eines Rohrleitungsintegritätsmanagementsystems (PIMS, en: pipeline integrity management system) fest. Das SMS gilt für Systembetreiber einer Gasinfrastruktur. Das PIMS gilt für Systembetreiber einer Gasinfrastruktur mit einem maximal zulässigen Betriebsdruck (MOP) von über 16 bar.
Dieses Dokument bezieht sich auf alle Aktivitäten und Prozesse bezüglich der Sicherheitsaspekte, die von Betreibern einer Gasinfrastruktur durchgeführt werden, einschließlich jener Aktivitäten, die Subunter-nehmern anvertraut werden. Es enthält sicherheitsrelevante Vorgaben für den Betrieb der Gasinfrastruktur.
Das beschriebene SMS gilt für Infrastruktur für die Beförderung von verarbeitetem, nicht-toxischem und nicht-korrosivem Erdgas nach EN ISO 13686 und nicht konventioneller Gase wie Biomethan und Wasserstoff und synthetischen Erdgasen einschließlich eingespeister Gase.
Dieses Dokument deckt auch EN 16726 ab, in der Merkmale, Parameter und Grenzwerte der Gasqualität für Gase mit Einstufung als Gruppe H festgelegt sind, die transportiert, in und aus Speicher(n) eingespeist, verteilt und verwendet werden sollen. Die Anforderungen und Prüfmethoden für Biomethan am Eintrittspunkt in das Erdgasnetz sind in EN 16723 1 festgelegt.
Dieses Dokument kann für Gasinfrastruktur angewandt werden, die Gase der 3. Gasfamilie gemäß Einstufung in EN 437 befördert.
Spezifische Anforderungen für den Arbeitsschutz sind von diesem Dokument ausgeschlossen. Für diese gelten nationale Rechtsvorschriften und andere Europäische und/oder internationale Normen wie z. B. OHSAS 18001.
Dieses Dokument legt gemeinsame Grundprinzipien für die Gasinfrastruktur fest. Es ist wichtig, dass Anwender dieses Dokuments wissen, dass detailliertere nationale Normen und/oder Leitfäden in den CEN-Mitgliederländern existieren können. Dieses Dokument soll in Verbindung mit diesen nationalen Normen und/oder Leitfäden angewandt werden, die die oben erwähnten Grundprinzipien darlegen.
Wenn Konflikte hinsichtlich restriktiverer Anforderungen in nationalen Rechtsvorschriften/Regelungen mit den Anforderungen dieses Dokuments auftreten, haben die nationalen Rechtsvorschriften/Regulierungen den Vorrang, wie in CEN/TR 13737 (alle Teile) verdeutlicht.
ANMERKUNG 1   CEN/TR 13737 (alle Teile) enthält:
-   Klärung relevanter Rechtsvorschriften/Regelungen anwendbar in einem Land;
-   ggf. weitergehende strengere nationale Anforderungen;
-   nationale Kontaktstellen für die aktuellsten Informationen.

Infrastructures gazières - Système de management de la sécurité (SMS) et système de management de l’intégrité des canalisations (PIMS) - Exigences fonctionnelles

Le présent document spécifie les exigences relatives au développement et à la mise en œuvre d’un système de management de la sécurité (SMS) et d’un système de management de l’intégrité des canalisations (PIMS). Le SMS s’applique aux exploitants de réseau d’une infrastructure gazière. Le PIMS s’applique aux exploitants de réseau d’infrastructure gazière avec une pression maximale de service (MOP) supérieure à 16 bar.
Le présent document se rapporte à toutes les activités et à tous les processus liés aux aspects sécurité et exécutés par les exploitants de réseau d’une infrastructure gazière, y compris les activités confiées à des sous traitants. Il comprend des dispositions relatives à la sécurité sur l’exploitation de l’infrastructure gazière.
Le SMS décrit s’applique aux infrastructures destinées à l’acheminement de gaz naturel traité non toxique et non corrosif conformément à l’EN ISO 13686 et de gaz non conventionnels tels que le biométhane, l’hydrogène et le gaz naturel de substitution, y compris les gaz injectés.
Le présent document couvre également l’EN 16726, qui spécifie les caractéristiques et les paramètres de qualité des gaz ainsi que leurs limites, pour des gaz classés dans le groupe H qui sont destinés à être transportés, injectés dans et depuis les stockages, distribués et utilisés. Les exigences et méthodes d’essai pour le biométhane au point d’entrée dans le réseau de gaz naturel sont couvertes par l’EN 16723 1.
Le présent document peut s’appliquer aux infrastructures gazières qui acheminent des gaz de la 3e famille de gaz selon la classification de l’EN 437.
Les exigences spécifiques concernant la santé et la sécurité au travail sont exclues du présent document car elles sont couvertes par la législation nationale et d’autres normes européennes et/ou internationales (par exemple OHSAS 18001).
Le présent document spécifie les principes de base communs aux infrastructures gazières. Il est important que les utilisateurs du présent document gardent à l’esprit que des codes de bonnes pratiques et/ou des normes nationales plus détaillées peuvent exister dans les pays membres du CEN. Le présent document est destiné à s’appliquer conjointement à ces normes nationales et/ou codes de bonnes pratiques, qui détaillent les principes de base précités.
En cas de divergences entre des exigences plus restrictives dans la réglementation/législation nationale et les exigences du présent document, la réglementation/législation nationale l’emporte, comme illustré dans le CEN/TR 13737 (toutes les parties).
NOTE 1   Le CEN/TR 13737 (toutes les parties) contient :
-   la clarification de la législation/réglementation pertinente applicable dans un pays ;
-   si approprié, des exigences nationales plus restrictives ;
-   des points de contact nationaux pour obtenir les informations les plus récentes.

Infrastruktura za plin - Sistem varnega upravljanja (SMS) in sistem celostnega upravljanja plinovodnih sistemov (PIMS) - Funkcionalne zahteve

General Information

• Status: Not Published
• ICS: 03.100.70 - Management systems
• ICS: 23.040.01 - Pipeline components and pipelines in general
• ICS: 75.200 - Petroleum products and natural gas handling equipment
• Technical Committee: CEN/TC 234 - Gas infrastructure
• Drafting Committee: CEN/TC 234/WG 12 - Safety and Integrity management
• Current Stage: 4599 - Dispatch of FV draft to CMC - Finalization for Vote
• Due Date: 10-Jan-2022
• Completion Date: 10-Jan-2022
• Mandate: M/526 - [C(2014)3451] Standardisation request to the European standardisation organisations pursuant to Article 10 (1) of Regulation (EU) No 1025/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council in support of implementation of the EU Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change [COM(2013) 216 final]
• Ref Project: oSIST prEN 17649:2021 - Gas infrastructure - Safety Management System (SMS) and Pipeline Integrity Managementsystem (PIMS) - Functional requirements

RELATIONS

• Revised: EN 15399:2018 - Gas infrastructure - Safety Management System for Gas Networks with maximum operting pressure up to and including 16 bar
• Effective Date: 20-Jan-2021
• Revised: EN 16348:2013 - Gas infrastructure - Safety Management System (SMS) for gas transmission infrastructure and Pipeline Integrity Management System (PIMS) for gas transmission pipelines - Functional requirements
• Effective Date: 20-Jan-2021

Standards Content (sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
oSIST prEN 17649:2021
01-april-2021
Infrastruktura za plin - Sistem varnega upravljanja (SMS) in sistem celostnega
upravljanja (PIMS) - Funkcionalne zahteve
Gas infrastructure - Safety Management System (SMS) and Pipeline Integrity
Managementsystem (PIMS) - Functional requirements
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 17649
ICS:
75.200 Oprema za skladiščenje Petroleum products and
nafte, naftnih proizvodov in natural gas handling
zemeljskega plina equipment
91.140.40 Sistemi za oskrbo s plinom Gas supply systems
oSIST prEN 17649:2021 en,fr,de

2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

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oSIST prEN 17649:2021
DRAFT
EUROPEAN STANDARD
prEN 17649
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
March 2021
ICS 75.200 Will supersede EN 15399:2018, EN 16348:2013
English Version
Gas infrastructure - Safety Management System (SMS) and
Pipeline Integrity Managementsystem (PIMS) - Functional
requirements - Functional requirements

This draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for enquiry. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee

CEN/TC 234.

If this draft becomes a European Standard, CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations

which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.

This draft European Standard was established by CEN in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other

language made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC

Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,

Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,

Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and

United Kingdom.

Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are

aware and to provide supporting documentation.

Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without

notice and shall not be referred to as a European Standard.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels

© 2021 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. prEN 17649:2021 E

worldwide for CEN national Members.
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Contents Page

European foreword ............................................................................................................................................. 4

Introduction .......................................................................................................................................................... 5

1 Scope .......................................................................................................................................................... 6

2 Normative references .......................................................................................................................... 6

3 Terms and definitions ......................................................................................................................... 7

4 Context of the organization ............................................................................................................... 9

4.1 Understanding the organization and its context ....................................................................... 9

4.2 Understanding the needs and expectations of interested parties ...................................... 9

4.3 Safety management system (SMS) .................................................................................................. 9

4.3.1 General ...................................................................................................................................................... 9

4.3.2 Determining the scope of the SMS ................................................................................................... 9

5 Leadership .............................................................................................................................................10

5.1 Leadership and commitment ..........................................................................................................10

5.2 Policy .......................................................................................................................................................10

5.3 Organizational roles, responsibilities and authorities .........................................................11

6 Planning of the SMS ............................................................................................................................11

6.1 Management of safety aspects and legal requirements ........................................................11

6.1.1 Identification and management of safety aspects ...................................................................11

6.1.2 Recording of safety aspects .............................................................................................................12

6.1.3 Monitoring of safety aspects ...........................................................................................................12

6.1.4 Gathering and analysis of incidents .............................................................................................12

6.1.5 Safety aspect review ...........................................................................................................................12

6.1.6 Legal and permit requirements .....................................................................................................12

6.2 SMS objectives and planning to achieve them ..........................................................................13

6.3 Management of change ......................................................................................................................13

6.3.1 General ....................................................................................................................................................13

6.3.2 Awareness ..............................................................................................................................................13

6.3.3 Competence ...........................................................................................................................................13

6.3.4 Identification ........................................................................................................................................13

6.3.5 Safety procedures ...............................................................................................................................14

6.3.6 Emergency response ..........................................................................................................................14

6.3.7 Connecting systems ............................................................................................................................14

7 Support of the SMS ..............................................................................................................................14

7.1 Resources ...............................................................................................................................................14

7.2 Competence ...........................................................................................................................................14

7.3 Awareness ..............................................................................................................................................15

7.4 Communication ....................................................................................................................................16

7.5 Documented information of the SMS ...........................................................................................16

7.5.1 General ....................................................................................................................................................16

7.5.2 Control of documented information ............................................................................................16

8 Operation of the SMS ..........................................................................................................................16

8.1 Operational planning and control of the SMS ...........................................................................16

8.1.1 General ....................................................................................................................................................16

8.1.2 Design of the gas infrastructure ....................................................................................................17

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8.1.3 Construction, commissioning and decommissioning of the gas infrastructure .......... 18

8.1.4 Operation of the gas infrastructure ............................................................................................. 19

8.1.5 Maintenance of gas infrastructure ............................................................................................... 20

8.1.6 Gas infrastructure permanently out of service ........................................................................ 21

8.1.7 Adaptation to climate change ......................................................................................................... 21

8.1.8 Emergency plans ................................................................................................................................. 23

8.1.9 Outsourcing and purchasing .......................................................................................................... 23

8.1.10 Innovation and improvement ........................................................................................................ 24

8.2 Performance evaluation monitoring, measurement, analysis and evaluation ............ 24

8.2.1 Performance evaluation framework ........................................................................................... 24

8.2.2 Evaluation of compliance ................................................................................................................. 25

8.3 Internal audit ....................................................................................................................................... 25

8.3.1 Purpose of internal audits ............................................................................................................... 25

8.3.2 Program and implementation of internal audits .................................................................... 25

8.4 Management review .......................................................................................................................... 26

8.5 Documentation .................................................................................................................................... 26

9 Improvement of the SMS .................................................................................................................. 26

9.1 Non-conformity and corrective action ........................................................................................ 26

9.2 Continual improvement of the SMS .............................................................................................. 27

10 Pipeline integrity management system (PIMS) ....................................................................... 28

10.1 General requirements ....................................................................................................................... 28

10.2 Identification of the safety aspects for pipeline integrity .................................................... 29

10.2.1 General safety aspects ...................................................................................................................... 29

10.2.2 Safety aspects related to injection of other gases than natural gas ................................. 30

10.3 Preparation of integrity programmes ......................................................................................... 31

10.4 Application of integrity programmes .......................................................................................... 31

10.4.1 Gathering data ..................................................................................................................................... 31

10.4.2 Methods to ensure and monitor pipeline integrity ................................................................ 31

10.5 Integrity assessment ......................................................................................................................... 35

10.6 Mitigation .............................................................................................................................................. 35

10.6.1 General ................................................................................................................................................... 35

10.6.2 Repair and modification .................................................................................................................. 35

10.6.3 Adjusting operational conditions ................................................................................................. 36

Annex A (informative) Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) methodology .................................................. 37

Bibliography ....................................................................................................................................................... 38

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European foreword

This document (prEN 17649:2021) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 234 “Gas

infrastructure”, the secretariat of which is held by DIN.
This document is currently submitted to the CEN Enquiry.

This document will supersede EN 15399:2018, and EN 16348:2013. New points for attention in this

document are adaptations to climate change and the injection of hydrogen and other gases into natural

gas networks. As gases other than natural gas will be more often injected into existing natural gas

networks in the future, Management of Change has been introduced in this document to ensure that all

relevant safety aspects are taken into account when this occurs.

There is a complete suite of functional standards prepared by CEN/TC 234 “Gas infrastructure” to cover

all parts of the gas infrastructure system from the point of entry into the gas infrastructure up to the point

of delivery of the customers, whether domestic, commercial or industrial.

In preparing this document, a basic understanding of Management Systems and gas infrastructure by the

user has been assumed.

This document has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European Commission and the

European Free Trade Association.
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Introduction

This document provides guidance on the establishment, implementation and maintenance of a safety

management system, all in order to provide an efficient gas transmission and distribution infrastructure

for the safe and secure conveyance of gas.

This document supports a System Operator (SO) in the implementation of a management system

following the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) methodology, described in Annex A. It can be used in

conjunction with ISO Management Systems and also in case of assessment or certification by a third party.

The main objectives of this document are to provide the necessary requirements:

— to be included in a management system related to safety and efficiency of the main processes being

the life cycle stages of gas infrastructure (design, construction, testing and

commissioning/decommissioning, operation and maintenance, permanently taken out of service) for

all of the SO's gas conveying assets. In practice, this is expressed on methods and organisational

features as well as technical aspects;

— in demonstrating the competencies required for employees and any contractors involved in the

processes mentioned above.

It is at the SO's discretion to include other objects and structures in his own management system.

The structure of this document is based on the ISO High Level Structure of standard on Management

Systems (ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1, Consolidated ISO Supplement, 2015, Annex SL (normative)

Proposals for management system standards).
The technical contents are in line with EN 12007 (all parts) and EN 1594.
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1 Scope

This document specifies requirements on the development and implementation of a Safety Management

System (SMS) and a Pipeline Integrity Management System (PIMS). The SMS is applicable for system

operators of a gas infrastructure. The PIMS is applicable for system operators of gas infrastructure with

a maximum operating pressure (MOP) over 16 bar.

This document refers to all activities and processes related to safety aspects and performed by system

operators of a gas infrastructure, including those activities entrusted to contractors. It includes safety-

related provisions on operation of the gas infrastructure

The described SMS is applicable to infrastructure for the conveyance of processed, non-toxic and non-

corrosive natural gas according to EN ISO 13686 and non-conventional gases such as biomethane and

hydrogen and substitute natural gases including injected gases.

This document covers also EN 16726, which specifies gas quality characteristics, parameters and their

limits, for gases classified as group H that are to be transmitted, injected into and from storages,

distributed and utilized. The requirements and test methods for biomethane at the point of entry into

natural gas network are covered by EN 16723-1.

This document can apply for gas infrastructure conveying gases of the 3rd gas family as classified in

EN 437.

Specific requirements for occupational health and safety are excluded from this document. For these,

national legislation and other European and/or international standards, e.g. OHSAS 18001, apply.

This document specifies common basic principles for gas infrastructure. It is important that users of this

document are aware that more detailed national standards and/or codes of practice may exist in the CEN

member countries. This document is intended to be applied in association with these national standards

and/or codes of practice setting out the above-mentioned basic principles.

In the event of conflicts in terms of more restrictive requirements in national legislation/regulation with

the requirements of this document, the national legislation/regulation takes precedence as illustrated in

CEN/TR 13737 (all parts).
NOTE 1 CEN/TR 13737 (all parts) contains:
— clarification of relevant legislation/regulations applicable in a country;
— if appropriate, more restrictive national requirements;
— national contact points for the latest information.
2 Normative references

The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content

constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For

undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.

EN 1594, Gas infrastructure - Pipelines for maximum operating pressure over 16 bar - Functional

requirements

EN 12007 (all parts), Gas infrastructure - Pipelines for maximum operating pressure up to and including 16

bar

EN 12186, Gas infrastructure - Gas pressure regulating stations for transmission and distribution -

Functional requirements

EN 12327, Gas infrastructure - Pressure testing, commissioning and decommissioning procedures -

Functional requirements
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3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.

ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:

— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
3.1
climate change

change in the state of the climate that can be identified by changes in the mean and/or the variability of

its properties, and that persists for an extended period, typically decades or longer

Note 1 to entry: The definition of climate change is based on the IPCC definition.

Note 2 to entry: Both natural processes and human activity can cause climate change.

3.2
climate change adaption
process of adjustment to actual or expected climate change and its effects

Note 1 to entry: The definition of climate change adaption is based on the IPCC definition.

3.3
system operator

private or public organisation authorized to design, construct and/or operate and maintain the gas

infrastructure

Note 1 to entry: Synonyms are: pipeline operator (see EN 1594), gas network operator.

[SOURCE: EN 1594:2013, 3.3.1, modified]
3.4
gas infrastructure

pipeline system including pipework and their associated stations or plants for the transmission and

distribution of gas
Note 1 to entry: Synonym is: gas network
3.5
hazard

anything which is a source of potential loss of inventory or damage of the gas infrastructure

3.6
inspection

process of measuring, examining, testing, gauging or otherwise determining the status of items of the

pipeline system or installation and comparing it with the applicable requirements

[SOURCE: EN 1594:2013, 2.18]
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3.7
maintenance

combination of all technical and associated administrative actions intended to keep an item in, or restore

it to, a state in which it can perform its required function
[SOURCE: EN 1594:2013, 3.21]
3.8
safety

condition of the gas infrastructure being acceptable for the population, for the environment and for the

continuity of supply ensured by the adoption of adequate measures in the design, construction, operation,

maintenance and abandonment of the gas infrastructure
[SOURCE: EN 16348:2013, 3.5, modified]
3.9
safety aspect

element or event that, if not properly managed, can cause a potential hazard for the population, the

environment and for the gas infrastructure
EXAMPLE Examples of safety aspects:
— design and modifications;
— operating procedures;
— workforce competence;
— human factors;
— emergency arrangements;
— protective devices, instrumentation and alarms;
— inspection and maintenance;
— permit to work;
— asset records and data quality;
— third party activities;
— climate change effects;
— changes in the type of gas;
— identification of pipelines.
3.10
Safety Management System
SMS

set of appropriate activities and practices by which a SO preserves a safe and reliable gas transmission

or distribution system and mitigates the consequences of incidents
[SOURCE: EN 16348:2013, 3.7, modified]
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4 Context of the organization
4.1 Understanding the organization and its context

The System Operator (SO) shall establish, implement and maintain a (written) procedure based safety

management system (SMS) for its gas infrastructure, by fulfilling the requirements of this Clause 4. The

safety management system shall form a part of the overall company management systems.

The organization shall determine external and internal issues that are relevant to the purpose of the SMS

and that affect its ability to achieve the intended outcome(s). Such issues can include environmental,

societal and organisational conditions being affected by or capable of affecting the organization.

4.2 Understanding the needs and expectations of interested parties
The organization shall determine:
— the stakeholders that are relevant to the SMS;
— the relevant requirements of these stakeholders.
4.3 Safety management system (SMS)
4.3.1 General

The SO shall define the policy, the objectives and the organization of its safety management system. They

shall include the following:
— safety of the public;
— safety of personnel;
— protection of urban, natural or industrial environment;
— service life and reliability of the gas infrastructure.
4.3.2 Determining the scope of the SMS

To enable the SO to achieve the required safety and reliability of the gas transmission and distribution

infrastructure, the SMS shall consider the safety aspects of gas conveyance activities:

a) the main processes being the life cycle stages of gas infrastructure:
1) design,
2) construction (including testing),
3) commissioning/decommissioning,
4) operation (including emergency plans, see 8.1.7),
5) maintenance,
6) permanently taken out of service
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b) the enabling processes which support the main processes and which can comprise the following:

— training;
— purchasing;
— communication;
— documentation;
— regulatory compliance;
— (monitoring developments in) innovation.
Provisions shall be incorporated into the safety management system to:
— ensure the safe operation of the gas infrastructure;
— monitor its condition;
— ensure safe and effective maintenance;
— deal effectively and responsibly with incidents and emergencies;
— develop and maintain all required competencies.
5 Leadership
5.1 Leadership and commitment

The top management of the SO shall provide visible and active leadership in developing and maintaining

a culture that supports the management of safety.

The top management shall define a safety policy in which overall objectives and a commitment to

maintain and improve safety performance are clearly stated.
5.2 Policy
The safety policy shall:
— be appropriate to the nature, scale and safety impacts of its activities;
— include commitments to:
— the prevention of incidents;
— ensure safe and reliable conveying of gas;
— the mitigation of consequences for the public and the environment;

— include a commitment to comply with relevant legislation, regulations, company policies and

procedures;
— include a framework for setting and reviewing safety objectives and targets;
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— be documented, implemented, maintained and communicated to all employees and to contractors

carrying out activities that can have safety implications;
— be made available to stakeholders, e.g on a website.

To implement the safety policy the SO shall define, document and maintain objectives that take into

account the safety aspects of the gas infrastructure (6.1.1), the legal and other requirements (6.1.6),

technological developments, operational and business requirements. The objectives shall be measurable

and associated to qualitative or quantitative targets.
5.3 Organizational roles, responsibilities and authorities

The SO's top management shall appoint in writing specific management representatives who,

irrespective of other responsibilities, shall have defined roles, responsibilities and authority for:

— ensuring that the safety management system is established, implemented and maintained in

accordance with this document,

— reporting on the performance of the safety management system to top management for review

(see 8.4) and as a basis for continuous improvement of the safety management system.

This appointment of the specific management representatives shall be communicated to the employees.

6 Planning of the SMS
6.1 Management of safety aspects and legal requirements
6.1.1 Identification and management of safety aspects

The SO shall systematically identify and assess all reasonably foreseeable safety aspects in order to

determine the likelihood and consequence of the actual hazard that they present to the public/employees,

the environment and gas infrastructure at each stage of the asset lifecycle.

The SO shall describe how these aspects are managed by the SMS through appropriate controls, including

the procedures, services and equipment that are safety critical.

NOTE 1 The safety aspects are usually similar for large parts of the infrastructure. In some cases, there are local

safety aspects which must also be considered.

The SO shall consider possible future safety aspects related to climate change effects and conveying of

natural gases from different sources and gases other than natural gas. These new safety aspects shall be

taken into account in the design of n
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