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UNITED KINGDOM ONSHORE PIPELINE OPERATORS' ASSOCIATION

Terms of Reference

Mission Statement

UKOPA exists to provide the recognised and authoritative view of UK Pipeline Operators on strategic issues relating to safety management, operations and integrity management of pipelines. It seeks to effectively influence the development and implementation of pipeline related legislation and standards for the mutual benefit of all stakeholders and promote best practice in the pipeline industry.

Aims

The aims of the Association are to represent the interests of Pipeline Operators in :

i) providing a forum for discussion, knowledge sharing and promoting best practice,

ii) coordinating the influencing of new legislation and modifications to existing legislation,

iii) developing a comprehensive and consistent view on strategic issues,

for matters of mutual interest relating specifically to the safe operation and maintenance of onshore pipelines in the UK. Such matters include, but are not limited to :

- Land use planning and risk criteria.
- Safe working practices.
- Fitness for purpose and revalidation.
- Safety management.

Objectives

1. The Association will, where it is agreed by representatives to be appropriate, provide Pipeline Operators with a recognised and established pipeline forum for the communication with external organisations such as the Health and Safety Executive, Local Planning Authorities, Government Departments and Environmental Agencies, on any issues relating to onshore pipelines.

2. Maintain specific and active liaison with the HSE.

3. Where appropriate, take a leading role in progressing joint industry initiatives.

4. Actively review developments in new technology, and participate in their introduction and implementation promoting best practice wherever possible.

Organisation

Membership

Membership is open to pipeline owners and/or operators with responsibility for pipeline engineering strategy and policy. In addition, specific representation from non-pipeline operator organisations (e.g. HSE, PIG) will be invited as appropriate. The Association will consider applications for Membership on an individual basis.

Meetings

Meetings of the Association will normally be held three times per year, but may be increased with the agreement of Members to deal with specific workloads. Venues for meetings will rotate from company to company as agreed.

Chairmanship

Chairmanship will rotate from full Member company to full Member company on a bi-ennial basis. The appointment of Chairman elect shall be confirmed at the meeting of the Association prior to which the Chairman takes office. This shall normally be at least three months prior to the commencement of the twenty-four month period. The period of office shall commence at the start of the first main meeting of the Association after which the Chairman elect is confirmed.

UKOPA/03/0029

UKOPA Terms of Reference
January 2003