Description
Job Purpose
To carry out a variety of specialist pipeline repair and maintenance activities including under pressure operations, welding, fabrication or fitting on commercially operated high pressure pipeline systems throughout the world
Principal Accountabilities
1) Carry out on-line repair and maintenance operations on high pressure pipeline systems, including installation of defect repair sleeves and under pressure drilling and stoppling, without interference to security of product supply. Working to the approved operational procedures in a safe and effective manner.
2) To receive, sign and accept Permits to Work. To ensure all work is carried out to stipulated operational and site safety requirements when working on live gas, oil or product pipework. To maintain consistent overall quality of work to BS5750 whilst utilising instruments and detectors in connection with specialist activities.
3) Carry out hydraulic/pneumatic pressure testing to stipulated requirements, ensuring the integrity of new or revalidated equipment and fabrications.
4) Participate in the training and instruction of other operational staff. Participate in general development work on one-off projects including welding tests to the instruction of Welding Inspectors/Engineers. Assist in development of revised procedures or customised test and under pressure rigs in order to improve range and quality of service in solving clients' operational problems.
5) To control and carry out revalidation and maintenance programmes for under pressure, repair installation and ancillary equipment, to predetermined schedules - each technician having specific responsibilities. Ensure conformance to specifications, fitness for purpose and maximised availability of equipment with special regard for possible urgent/emergency requirements.
6) Ensure excavations and working areas prepared by others are in accordance with procedures and regulations. Supervise the safe use of lifting equipment with particular emphasis on the use of large or heavy specialist equipment in close proximity to live pipework.
7) Accurate completion of job documentation including progress incident reports and detailed feedback for job quality and costing records. Assist in advancement of new or revised procedures thereby improving the range and quality of service when solving the particular operational problems of the customer.
8) Required to work in other specified areas of activity ensuring operational and business needs are met. This could entail participating in a Standby Rota for emergency facility.
Nature and Scope
Job Context
INtegrity Services provides a facility for undertaking pipeline repairs, this includes the holding and maintenance of materials and equipment for epoxy or welded repair sleeves, wrapmasters and other specialist services.
These specialist services are provided on high pressure gas and oil transmission systems, refined product and petrochemical plant pipework. The job holder must be prepared to work on all operational sites throughout the UK, offshore and overseas as required, sometimes at short notice. This may entail working away from home for up to two-thirds of the year, six months of which could be overseas.
It is essential to display a confident and professional approach to ensure all operations are carried out in a safe and secure manner.
It is essential that an adaptable approach is adopted in order to be able to respond to changing circumstances of site operational activities worldwide and in unfamiliar locations.
Many techniques and purpose designed equipment have been developed by British Gas to solve maintenance and operational problems without costly or impractical pipeline and equipment shutdowns.
Problems Faced
- Required to observe safe working practices which includes the wearing of appropriate protective clothing and personal equipment. This is especially necessary in areas of x-ray, hydraulic testing, grit blasting, grinding, welding or of hazardous substances. Safe use of GE and unfamiliar hire vehicles.
- Need to be able to influence others and assist in promoting a safe working environment and good operating practice. On urgent or emergency field operations, staff commitment to working long hours through till completion is essential.
- To regularly travel throughout the world and work away from home for extended periods in all climates, inclement weather and harsh site conditions.
Planning and Organisation
- Work is undertaken to approved quality procedures and completion of job cards and progress reports is essential to maintain accurate records to demonstrate job quality and facilitate costing control
- The job holder will be expected to produce reports, simple working sketches/line diagrams, particularly in respect of new equipment and techniques which are being developed.
- To follow the company's administration and financial procedures in respect of personal expenses, accommodation and travel expenditure.
- Need to display a logical and organised approach to work and follow methodical operating procedures, remaining calm under adverse or emergency conditions.
Direction Received
- Day-to-day working unsupervised with priorities agreed with Engineering Officer or Senior Operations Engineer.
- All welding work is technically supervised and when applicable instructed by a Welding/NDT Inspector relating to welding operations. For live line under pressure welding operations this supervision is continuous.
- Due to variable nature of site operations, decisions have to be made quickly using own initiative, knowledge and experience within British Gas Procedures.
- Technical supervision for more complex or unusual types of work received from Engineering staff.
Working Contacts
- Representing PII Ltd, the Technician shall adopt a professional approach to all field activities and is expected to promote the company's activities with client personnel.
- Frequent contact with senior staff and inspectors at the base or in the field.
- Receipt and acceptance of Permits to Work is an essential item in these site contacts.
- As experts in one or other area of pipeline repair operations, the technician will advise and/or make decisions on behalf of others as required, to take charge of field team, or supervise specific activities of subcontractors employed by British Gas or client.
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- HNC or equivalent technician training in gas, mechanical engineering or welding technology plus 3 years experience.
- ONC and apprenticeship in a mechanical craft or welding, with some pipework fabrication involvement plus 5 years post apprenticeship experience in pipeline construction/maintenance and repair, including use of under pressure equipment or welding techniques.
- Knowledge of pipework testing, pneumatics and hydraulics.
- Ability to work accurately from drawings, and applying skilled techniques, and to follow laid down standards and procedures, to keep cool in an emergency situation working without panic to achieve repairs.
- Knowledge of construction industry safety rules and legislation.
- Flexibility and willingness to update with new techniques and training.
- Possess patience and perseverance, conscientiousness and integrity.
- Ability to lead a team, working unsupervised with a confident and self/assured manner.
- Good communication skills.
- Hold a current driving licence.