Are You Ready for RP 1162 Research? Using Natural Gas Pipeline Communication Effectiveness Research to Strengthen Awareness Programs, Community Safety and Public Trust

The spotlight has increasingly shone on energy sustainability, infrastructure reliability and natural gas’ essential role in addressing our ever-growing energy demands. Within this dynamic dialog, Recommended Practice 1162 (RP 1162), crafted by the American Petroleum Institute (API), is a pivotal topic in natural gas pipeline safety.

RP 1162 is a cornerstone in safeguarding the integrity and safety of our nation’s natural gas pipeline systems. In this blog, we will explore its significance, its pivotal role in shaping the future of natural gas pipeline safety and how pipeline operators can strengthen their communication and public outreach.

The Significance of RP 1162 in Natural Gas Pipeline Operations and Community Protection

Natural gas pipelines play a vital role in our energy infrastructure, seamlessly transporting natural gas from production sites to processing plants, storage facilities and, ultimately, consumers. The safety and maintenance of these pipelines are essential. RP 1162 is a foundational framework crafted by the API to enhance public awareness and safeguard communities concerning natural gas pipeline operations.

RP 1162 plays a significant role in pipeline safety and efficiency for three important reasons:

1. Risk Mitigation: Natural gas pipeline accidents can have devastating consequences, leading to significant property damage, severe environmental disasters and, in some instances, tragic loss of life. RP 1162 presents natural gas pipeline operating companies with a road map for effectively communicating with residents and key stakeholder audiences the intricacies of natural gas pipeline systems, their associated risks and the built-in safety measures established by operators. RP 1162 plays an instrumental role in ensuring communication about potential natural gas hazards is clear and compelling, empowering communities and responders to swiftly act during emergencies. Research into the effective implementation of RP 1162 is advancing the industry’s risk management protocols and personnel training.
2. Regulatory Compliance: In the US, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) enforces stringent regulations governing pipeline safety. RP 1162 helps pipeline operators comply with federal safety standards and effectively address the communication aspects that enhance overall safety. Research into natural gas pipeline safety communication is dedicated to ensuring operators fulfill the core criteria set forth by RP 1162, including the maintenance of updated emergency response plans and the implementation of impactful community outreach initiatives.
3. Innovation in Public Outreach: A fundamental pillar of RP 1162 is its commitment to public awareness and education. Designed not merely to ensure compliance with regulatory standards, RP 1162 seeks to guide natural gas pipeline operating companies into cultivating strong relationships with residents, businesses, community leaders, excavators and emergency responders. The research into effective natural gas pipeline safety communication uncovers actionable insights community stakeholders operators can use to enhance their outreach for greater effectiveness. By ensuring the public is thoroughly informed about natural gas pipelines, their robust safety features and the key steps to take in an emergency, operators foster a culture of risk awareness and preparedness that benefits everyone.

In sum, by prioritizing these three aspects, natural gas pipeline operators can prevent accidents, guarantee reliable energy delivery and meaningfully reduce environmental impacts, ensuring a sustainable future for all.

The Importance of Measuring the Effectiveness of Natural Gas Pipeline Communication and Public Outreach

At the heart of RP 1162 lies the commitment to transparency. In an era where the safety of our natural gas systems is paramount, research into the impact of safety-related communication has never been more critical because effective safety communication is vital for preserving lives. Natural gas pipeline operators foster a culture of safety and trust within the communities they serve by openly sharing information about their infrastructure, operations and emergency response strategies. Clear and targeted messaging empowers utility personnel, contractors, emergency responders and the public to prevent, recognize and respond to hazards, significantly reducing the likelihood of accidents.

Furthermore, research into the effectiveness of natural gas pipeline safety communication enables operators to continually refine and enhance their communication strategies. This research fosters more impactful outreach and educational initiatives by identifying what resonates and what falls flat with each stakeholder audience. Understanding the unique needs of different stakeholders allows operators to craft tailored messages that ensure critical information is understood and acted upon—which is particularly essential in a world where populations, technologies and risks constantly evolve.

Pioneering research and guiding companies within the energy industry for more than 35 years, Escalent (formerly Market Strategies International) was among the first firms to partner with the API and key pipeline operating companies to provide research and consulting services tailored to the needs of RP 1162. Leveraging a deep understanding of customer experience and communication effectiveness, our energy industry experts will help you address the following questions:

• Do we need to survey all our pipelines or service territories at the same time?
• What is (are) the best research method(s) to meet our needs?
• What is the recommended number of interviews to conduct to meet our needs?
• What questions should we ask constituents to ensure we can track the effectiveness of our Pipeline Public Awareness Safety Program-related improvement efforts over time?
• How can we optimize our improvement efforts to provide our stakeholders with more impactful program outreach and communication campaigns?

A great example of this in action comes from a recent study we conducted for a natural gas utility navigating RP 1162 compliance. Our findings empowered the utility to refine its natural gas pipeline communication approach for greater effectiveness and impact with key stakeholders, thereby building stronger public trust and reinforcing the utility’s commitment to natural gas pipeline safety.

Turning RP 1162 Research Insight Into Action: Strengthening Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Through Smarter Communication

RP 1162 lays a powerful foundation for a more informed and proactive approach to natural gas pipeline operations, highlighting best practices in public communication, safety protocols and emergency response planning. As technology evolves and the demand for natural gas surges, RP 1162 emerges as a critical benchmark, steering the future of pipeline management to guarantee the safety and reliability of natural gas pipelines across the country, ensuring we all move forward together confidently.

Exploring the effectiveness of natural gas pipeline safety communication is critical for preserving lives, protecting the environment and securing economic interests. This pursuit also ensures regulatory compliance and fosters public trust, serving as a cornerstone of proactive risk management in the natural gas industry. RP 1162 is an indispensable guardian of our communities and the future of natural gas infrastructure.

To learn more about how our energy industry experts can help you conduct effective RP 1162 research and improve your natural gas pipeline communication strategy, click the button below.