As part of TSSA’s transition to an Outcome-Based Regulator, TSSA has developed a risk-based Operator Rating System (ORS) for pipeline operators. The ORS is in line with best practices in other jurisdictions and focuses on reducing the risk of pipeline safety incidents.
The main purpose of the ORS is to examine and rate the effectiveness of each operator’s safety and loss management system (SLMS) which includes comprehensive policies and procedures regarding the operator’s design, construction, operation, and maintenance activities. The ORS is comprised of the following components:
Risk-based audit – TSSA’s primary method of regulatory oversight that assesses the efficacy of the organization’s SLMS based on data about the pipeline network
Field verification – A targeted physical inspection that is informed by the audit and focuses on areas of operation that could pose a risk to public safety
Safety intelligence framework – A systematic approach to data collection and risk analytics with a focus on collecting data directly tied to safety outcomes
Compliance standards – A set of standards to inform pipeline operators about their safety priorities and requirements to reduce risk
Operator Rating System (ORS)
The Operator Rating System (ORS) is TSSA’s pipeline-oversight program. The ORS is:
Aligned with best practices from jurisdictions around the world and in line with risk-based regulatory practices
Examines and rates the effectiveness of each operator’s safety and loss management system (SLMS) which is a comprehensive set of policies and procedures capturing the operator’s design, construction, operation, and maintenance activities.
See Oil and Gas Pipeline Field Verification Manual - Effective June 2021 (pdf) for details.
Compliance Standards
Compliance Standards for Oil and Gas Pipeline Operators
Pipeline owners and operators are responsible for verifying that proper operating and maintenance procedures are being followed to ensure public safety and have specific responsibilities for pipeline safety under the following regulations:
Find applicable Director's Orders in the Regulatory Document Search page
Pipeline owners and operators are also required to comply with the Compliance Standards for Pipelines and summarized on the Pipeline Compliance Standard Summary Checklist for Pipeline Owners and Operators (pdf) for convenience.