In this episode of the Let’s Clear the Air podcast, co-hosts Stuart Saulters and Bryan Nix talk pipeline safety management systems (SMS) with Sam Minifie, Senior Policy Advisor at American Petroleum Institute. These midstream industry experts discuss the importance of safety culture in the industry.
Minifie shares how eight industry associations (including GPA Midstream) work together to develop safety standards, and the voluntary nature of SMS implementation. The conversation highlights the significance of safety culture, the ten elements of SMS, and the tools available for operators to enhance their safety practices.
Minifie also provides insights into the upcoming second edition of Recommended Practice 1173 and offers advice for small operators looking to start their SMS journey.
About Sam Minifie
Sam Minifie is a Senior Policy Advisor in the Midstream Department at the American Petroleum Institute (API). Minifie has been with API for more than a decade and leads member groups on pipeline safety management systems (Pipeline SMS), safety culture, pipeline public engagement and awareness, damage prevention, and labor and workforce development issues. He also helps lead the liquid pipeline industry’s three-year Strategic Plan and annual performance report highlighting industry safety trends.
Minifie recently participated in API’s inaugural Emerging Leaders Development Program.
Prior to joining API in 2015, Minifie worked with pro-democracy activists in Syria and Lebanon using State Department and USAID grants, and traveling frequently to the region. In this role, he facilitated strategic communications workshops with moderate Syrian political actors and local representatives and helped organize a youth campaign inside Syria promoting the rule of law. He engaged with Syrian interim government representatives, international donors and US embassy staff.
Minifie earned his BA from George Washington University in Middle Eastern Studies, a master’s in public policy from American University, and resides in Washington, DC with his wife.
Takeaways
- API develops standards and practices for the energy industry.
- Pipeline Safety Management Systems (SMS) are voluntary.
- 80-85% of US pipelines are included in an SMS.
- The SMS annual report demonstrates industry progress in SMS implementation.
- Safety culture is essential for effective SMS.
- There are 10 elements in the SMS framework, and operators already have programs in place that meet most of the elements.
- Regular meetings help operators collaborate and learn from each other.
- The second edition of RP 1173 is expected in early 2026.
- Small operators can start their SMS journey with free resources available at PipelineSMS.org.
Chapters
- 00:00 Introduction
- 03:36 Sam Minifie’s Background and Role at API
- 07:38 Understanding Pipeline Safety Management Systems
- 14:44 The Importance of Safety Culture
- 16:56 Elements of Safety Management Systems
- 18:14 Notable Practices and Tools for Implementation
- 25:23 Future of Pipeline Safety Management Systems
- 32:29 Advice for Small Operators
- 36:20 Looking Ahead: Future Developments
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