Pipeliners Podcast – Episode 127 – Steve Allen

Energy Worldnet (EWN) • May 12, 2020

Share this article

Tuesday, May 12 – PIPELINERS PODCAST – EPISODE 127 – STEVE ALLEN sponsored by Energy Worldnet

Quick Links:

Description

In this week's episode of the Pipeliners Podcast, host Russel Treat speaks with Steve Allen about contractors and Pipeline Safety Management Systems (SMS). Steve discusses how pipeline operators can effectively integrate their contractor workforce into their SMS framework, what responsibilities operators have for contractor safety performance, and how to build a contractor management program that supports a strong safety culture.

Conversation with Steve Allen: Show Notes, Links, and Insider Terms

Pipeline Safety Management System (SMS) – A comprehensive organizational framework that integrates safety into all aspects of pipeline operations through policy, risk management, assurance, and culture.

Contractor Management – The processes operators use to select, qualify, monitor, and evaluate contractors who perform work on their pipeline systems.

API RP 1173 – The American Petroleum Institute Recommended Practice for Pipeline Safety Management Systems, which provides guidance for developing and implementing an SMS.

Conversation with Steve Allen: Full Episode Transcript

Russel Treat : Welcome to the Pipeliners Podcast, episode 127, sponsored by Energy Worldnet. I'm Russel Treat. Today I'm joined by Steve Allen to talk about contractors and Pipeline Safety Management Systems. Steve, welcome to the show.

Steve Allen : Thanks, Russel. I'm glad to be here. This is really an important topic for our industry.

Recent Posts

By Kevin Speicher July 24, 2026
PHMSA just issued ADB-2026-06, an advisory bulletin reminding gas distribution operators of their existing obligations under 49 CFR Part 192, subpart P.
By Kevin Speicher July 22, 2026
On July 30, 2026 PHMSA is bringing the Gas Pipeline Advisory Committee & the Liquid Pipeline Advisory Committee together for a virtual meeting.
By Energy Worldnet (EWN) July 10, 2026
EWN's Regulatory Advisory Group breaks down RP 1173, PHMSA's new leadership, ECA rulemaking, multi-state OQ compliance, and PSMS for small operators.
By Kevin Speicher June 24, 2026
PHMSA's new approach of issuing 40+ targeted rulemakings instead of mega rules, and what the substantive changes mean for pipeline operators.
By Kevin Speicher June 24, 2026
PHMSA's Technical Pipeline Safety Standards Committee (GPAC) met on May 28, 2026, to work through the Safety of Gas Distribution Pipelines rule. Here's what happened and what operators need to know.
By Kevin Speicher June 19, 2026
Span of control refers to the practice of allowing an unqualified worker to perform a covered task while being directed and observed by a qualified person.
By Energy Worldnet (EWN) May 27, 2026
Former PHMSA leaders discuss PSMS, OQ, safety culture, contractor oversight, and the future of pipeline safety and compliance.
By Kevin Speicher April 30, 2026
PHMSA reinforcing sharper operational expectations: excavation damage remains one of the leading threats to pipeline safety.
Compliance Leadership Forum title slide on a dark blue screen with yellow and white text.
By Ashley Jesko February 26, 2026
Energy Worldnet (EWN) hosted the first-ever Compliance Leadership Forum (CLF)—a peer-to-peer space designed for candid, practical conversations about pipeline compliance and safety. Hosted by James Cross (Chief Experience Officer, EWN), the session brought together more than 150 years of combined experience from former state and federal regulators and industry leaders. Meet the panel Kevin Speicher, Senior Regulatory Advisor, EWN; former Chief of Pipeline Safety, New York State Department of Public Service Steve Allen, former Director of Pipeline Safety, State of Indiana; longtime PSMS advocate and former EWN executive Alan Mayberry, former PHMSA Associate Administrator, now with Jana and serving on boards focused on advanced risk and geohazards Jeff Wiese, former PHMSA Associate Administrator; former offshore operations leader; longtime safety management advocate The tone was clear from the start: no judgment, anonymous questions, and a focus on what operators can actually do next.
EWN PHMSA Update graphic with “Read More” on a dark teal background
By Kevin Speicher February 19, 2026
PHMSA has issued Advisory Bulletin ADB-2026-04, reminding gas pipeline, underground natural gas storage (UNGS), and LNG operators that incidents must be reported to the National Response Center (NRC) at the earliest practicable moment — and no later than one hour after confirmed discovery.
Show More