Midstream oil and gas companies recognize the critical importance of safety, and effective risk management for pipelines, gathering systems, and processing facilities. The American Petroleum Institute (API) Recommended Practice 1173 (API RP 1173) establishes a Pipeline Safety Management System (PSMS) framework that promotes continuous improvement, proactive risk management, and operational excellence.
A key component of this framework is the Corrective Action Request (CAR) process, which ensures that safety issues, nonconformances, and operational risks are systematically identified, addressed, and prevented from recurring.
What is a Corrective Action Request (CAR)?
A Corrective Action Request (CAR) is a formal process used to identify and resolve safety concerns, incidents, nonconformances, or regulatory violations. CARs ensure that when issues are detected—whether through audits, inspections, near misses, or incident investigations—they are properly documented, assigned, and corrected in a structured and accountable manner.
CARs serve as a vital tool in continuous improvement, ensuring that lessons learned from past incidents are integrated into pipeline operations to prevent future risks.
How CARs Fit into API RP 1173
API RP 1173 is built on ten key elements that create a structured approach to pipeline safety. The Corrective Action Request (CAR) process aligns with several of these elements, playing a key role in ensuring pipeline integrity and safe operations.
1. Leadership and Management Commitment
- Strong leadership commitment is required to ensure CARs are effectively implemented.
- Management must allocate resources and enforce accountability for corrective actions to be taken promptly.
2. Risk Management
- Risk assessments help identify potential hazards in pipeline operations, such as corrosion, mechanical failures, or human errors.
- When risks are identified, a CAR is issued to implement corrective actions and mitigate potential threats.
3. Incident Investigation, Evaluation, and Lessons Learned
- Every pipeline incident, near miss, or abnormal operating condition should be thoroughly investigated.
- The root cause analysis (RCA) process generates corrective actions that are documented and tracked through CARs.
- CARs ensure that corrective measures are not only recommended but also implemented and verified.
4. Safety Assurance (Audits, Inspections, and Performance Monitoring)
- Regulatory audits, internal inspections, and compliance checks often uncover nonconformances or areas needing improvement.
- CARs ensure that corrective actions are assigned, tracked, and verified to address audit findings.
5. Management Review and Continuous Improvement
- Senior leadership periodically reviews safety performance metrics, including CAR completion rates.
- The CAR process ensures that past safety issues do not repeat, fostering an environment of continuous improvement.
The CAR Process in Pipeline Safety Management
The Corrective Action Request (CAR) process in pipeline safety typically follows a structured approach:
- Identification – A safety issue, risk, or nonconformance is detected through an incident, audit, inspection, or employee observation.
- Documentation – A CAR is issued, outlining the problem, potential impact, and necessary corrective actions.
- Assignment – Responsibilities for corrective actions are assigned to specific personnel or departments.
- Implementation – The corrective action is executed, such as modifying operating procedures, updating training programs, or replacing faulty equipment.
- Verification – Follow-up reviews and audits ensure that the corrective action was effective.
- Closure – Once the corrective action is verified, the CAR is officially closed, and any lessons learned are documented for future reference.
Benefits of Implementing CARs in API RP 1173
✅ Prevents Recurring Incidents – CARs ensure that identified risks are mitigated, reducing the chances of repeat safety failures.
✅ Improves Compliance – By addressing findings from regulatory audits and inspections, CARs help maintain compliance with industry and governmental regulations.
✅ Enhances Safety Culture – The CAR process encourages employees to report safety concerns and participate in continuous improvement efforts.
✅ Promotes Proactive Risk Management – Rather than reacting to major incidents, CARs proactively address minor issues before they escalate into serious problems.
✅ Increases Accountability – The CAR system tracks corrective action responsibilities, ensuring that tasks are completed on time and properly documented.
Final Thoughts
By embedding CARs into daily pipeline safety operations, companies can move beyond compliance and cultivate a proactive safety culture—one where every risk identified is an opportunity for improvement.
