This new CSA Standard represents the first real piece of work dedicated to the security of Canada’s network of pipeline systems. The Standard focuses on the necessary elements of a security management system; including measures for facility, personnel, and information / cyber security management.From a legislative standpoint, the Standard isn’t referenced in provincially or federally-regulated pipeline industry regulations – at least not yet. The Standard clearly states that its requirements are applicable to all operators, regardless of their size and number of their assets; and, given that a representative of the National Energy Board Chaired the CSA Committee developing the Standard, Natural Resources Canada funded development and provincial regulators supported development, it’s only a matter of time until it is referenced. Equally important, the Technical Committee responsible for crafting the Standard included representatives from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security facilitating effective parallels with U.S. security governance. For the major transmission pipeline systems, this is good news from a Management System perspective - it allows them to capture efficiencies with “one system – one approach” management systems.
The industry should use this grace period to conduct gap analyses of their current Security Practices and Procedures and enhance or develop their respective Security Management Programs. If you would like to learn how HMA Operational Services can assist your company do so, please contact us.