The anticipated update to API 1165 for HMI displays in the pipeline control room has been a hot topic in the industry this year. We have written several articles about this topic and I have covered this topic with various guests on the Pipeliners Podcast.
While the API 1165 update may not become real until it is officially released, pipeline operators should be thinking in advance about whether they need to provide new SCADA training to controllers and support personnel to ensure alignment with the updated recommended practice.
Scenario 1 for New SCADA Training: The Platform
The update to API 1165 takes into account the capabilities of most SCADA platforms on the market. However, some legacy SCADA systems may not be compatible or may need to be updated to align with the new guidelines.
If you discover that your SCADA system falls into the category of incompatibility or needing to be upgraded, then you will eventually need to provide training to personnel on the next SCADA platform or the upgraded platform.
Take the first step, though, of reviewing the capabilities of your SCADA system and comparing the capabilities against the anticipated updates to the API 1165 RP. (Read Our Article For Guidance.)
Scenario 2 for New SCADA Training: The Capabilities
Perhaps your operation falls into a second category of needing to provide SCADA training for your personnel. In this scenario, your team knows how to use the HMI displays, but they don’t understand the “why” that goes into what they’re viewing.
In other words, your personnel has figured out a method that works for them to simply execute their tasks, but they do not understand the theory, methodology, or fundamentals of the industry best practices.
Unfortunately, this simply cannot continue. One of the driving reasons for the update to HMI 1165 is helping advance the industry to zero incidents through a deliberate focus on pipeline safety.
To support pipeline safety, pipeline operators and support personnel need to be able to achieve situational awareness in each operating condition (normal, abnormal, and emergency). This is accomplished by understanding what is actually happening in the field through the information captured in the SCADA system and presented on their HMI displays.
Without a fundamental understanding of API 1165, industry best practices, and the methodology that supports this key functionality in pipeline operators, there is a safety risk for your operation.
SCADA Training Support for Your Operation
Take some time to review the SCADA and HMI capabilities of your team, then identify any gaps in their knowledge, experience, or understanding.
Once you assess the capabilities of your team, identify where your team most needs training to close the expertise gap.
After completing this assessment, you may identify that your team needs training on the fundamentals of SCADA and HMI to establish an understanding of API 1165 and related best practices.
Gas Certification Institute (GCI) provides regular SCADA Fundamentals courses through their certification program. Their SCADA training encompasses field devices, communication, control room management, alarm management, HMI fundamentals, and the most recent developments in the industry.
Consider registering your team for SCADA training through GCI to ensure alignment with the updated API 1165 best practice to promote pipeline safety in your operation.