PHMSA (Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration)

The defined set of active safety barriers protecting against a specific hazard at any given time. Subcontractors must verify the envelope is intact before starting work. A degraded envelope requires stop-work action and notification to the prime contractor.

A joint API/ASME standard used to assess whether ageing or damaged equipment is still safe to operate. Subcontractors may be required to conduct or support FFS assessments on pressure vessels, piping, and tanks. Results determine if equipment can stay in service, requires repair, or must be decommissioned.

The percentage of scheduled preventive maintenance tasks completed on time. High PM compliance protects subcontractors from liability and supports equipment uptime on client sites. Clients often audit PM records before renewing service contracts.

A document outlining required inspections, tests, and quality checks at specific project milestones. Subcontractors must follow the ITP to prove work meets client and regulatory standards. Hold points in the plan require client sign-off before work can continue.

A physical or mechanical system that prevents uncontrolled flow of fluids from a wellbore. Subcontractors working on or near wells must verify barriers are in place before starting work. Barrier failures can trigger stop-work obligations and regulatory reporting requirements.

The controlled burning of excess natural gas at a wellsite or facility. Subcontractors working on-site must follow strict flaring protocols, as ignition hazards affect work permits and safety zones. Flaring activity can also trigger regulatory hold points that delay field operations.

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