I’m writing this today with a buzz in my brain, coming off a full (long yet inspiring) day yesterday of being in a room (and onscreen) with an inspiring group of about 15 pipeliners, all taking in learnings about AS2885, from an Operations lens.

I took them through the contents of AS2885.3 (Operations and maintenance), providing insights and clues along the way of how to the Standard shapes their roles, tasks, skills and competencies… and ‘why’ they keep all those records (!).

It wasn’t a training course in ‘how to operate your pipeline’, it was a course designed for insights into why they operate it that way (and keep all those records) …because of the principles of AS2885.

I loved that the group included new pipeliners with less than 2 years’ experience, as well as long-duration pipeliners with over 15 years. Everybody contributed to the learning.

We can all always be learning, even after 30 years, like me, and this group reminded me of that.

So let’s cover the ways you can get exposure to AS2885, and let’s keep the knowledge circulating.

Noting though that AS2885 is not meant to be a textbook telling you how to design / construct / operate a pipeline … it is an agreed Standard of minimal requirements to be met, so that YOU can write specifications, procedures and checklists appropriate to your business, tasks and outputs.

This is all so that our AS2885 pipelines are kept safe … which is the paramount endeavour of this industry and AS2885.

I invite those not listed to add your offering in the comments, or contact me and I’ll revise this post.

• Pipeline Pathways (AS2885 overview) (next delivery March 10/11/12) https://www.susanjaques.com.au/pipeline-pathways
• Pipeline Pathways : Ops (AS2885.3 focus) (contact me for details)
• Rosen’s Competence Club – excellent source for online learning about pipelines etc (Login / signup required) https://www.rosen-group.com/en/expertise/education-and-training
• APGA – various – including plenty of webinars and seminars https://apga.org.au/
• Weld Australia https://weldaustralia.com.au/training/
• AS2885.info wiki, including sending questions to the associated email address www.as2885.info
• Meet industry experts at networking sessions
• Call up your favourite committee or industry member
• Use the PECS to identify skills/competencies you want to develop
• ….

Please add more opportunities in the comments.

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By the way, I asked the question of Google, and got this response from its AI Overview … it’s not too bad of an overview:

THIS IS AI CONTENT BELOW:

Learning about AS 2885, the Australian Standard for high-pressure gas and liquid petroleum pipelines, is best achieved through specialized industry resources that offer both the technical requirements and the “intent” behind those requirements. 

Here are the primary ways to learn about AS 2885:

1. Key Online Resources (Essential)

• AS2885.info: This is the primary wiki dedicated to interpreting and understanding the AS 2885 suite. It provides technical background, explains the intent of clauses, and helps with application uncertainties.
• AS2885-INFO.blog: A companion blog to the wiki where you can read about recent updates, ask questions, and explore in-depth articles about the standards.
• APGA (Australian Pipelines and Gas Association): The APGA provides an overview of the standards, training, and a knowledge base for members.
• Standards Australia: Purchase the official, up-to-date, seven-part standard directly from the Standards Australia Store. 

2. Key Components to Study

To truly understand AS 2885, you must understand its structure, which includes:

• Part 0: General Requirements
• Part 1: Design and Construction
• Part 2: Welding
• Part 3: Operation and Maintenance
• Part 4: Pipeline Subsea (If applicable)
• Part 5: Field Pressure Testing
• Part 6: Pipeline Safety Management 

3. Training and Development

• Specialized Courses: Look for training, such as the 40-minute introductory course on Safety Management Studies (SMS) by ROSEN or courses provided by industry experts
• APGA Competency Standards: PIPeD Pty Ltd and APGA offer courses that align with the competency requirements for engineers working with the standard.  (sj ed – PIPEd is defunct, sadly).

4. Key Concepts to Focus On

• Safety Management Study (SMS): The cornerstone of AS 2885, which manages risks for pipelines.
• Maximum Allowable Operating Pressure (MAOP): Understanding how this is determined (e.g., at 80% of specified minimum yield stress).
• Threat Assessment: Designing against specific failure modes.
• “Written in Blood”: Recognizing that many rules in the standard are the result of past incidents and accidents. 

5. Engage with the Community

• Ask Questions: If you have questions about the interpretation of the standard, submit them to info@as2885.info to get answers from experienced industry professionals.
• Read Case Studies/Issue Papers: The wiki often references issue papers that provide background on how to apply the standard. 

Note: AS 2885 is a set of requirements, not a textbook, so it is recommended to pair reading the standard with the practical guidance on AS2885.info.