CALGARY, ALBERTA---September 30, 2008---Building on its commitment to promote safety for pipeline operations around the world, GE Oil & Gas' PII Pipeline Solutions division in recent years has secured crucial industry safety certifications as part of its overall Environmental Health and Safety programs.
GE's PII Pipeline Solutions was the first pipeline integrity services provider to earn ATEX certification in 2006. EU safety legislation adopted ATEX standards based on requirements of the European Directive 94/9/EC for equipment as well as compliance with 99/92/EC for workers. This important legislation created a framework for controlling potentially explosive atmospheres and established guidelines for equipment and procedures to be used in those conditions.
"We believe our approach to safety is a reflection of our broader approach to offering the highest quality of services," said John Bucci, General Manager for GE Oil & Gas' PII Pipeline Solutions. "It is also important for operators to know that their service providers, and their employees, have an abiding commitment to safety not only to protect themselves, but also to help customers avoid potential costly delays at project sites. Without this certification, the integrity of GE's customers' pipelines would be at risk, legally and operationally.''
GE's PII Pipeline Solutions was also the first pipeline inspection company in the early 1990s to achieve third party certification for its quality management system.
This tradition of leadership in safety compliance within the pipeline industry also covers PII's Environmental Management System. The scope of approval extends to the provision of pipeline inspection services to optimize the operational and structural integrity of a pipeline, as well as its inspection systems and software solutions. The list below outlines the most important milestones in PII Pipeline Solution's longstanding history of Safety and Quality Management:
* In 1991, Certified to British Standard BS 5750, Part 1 from LRQA.
* In 1994, BS 5750 was replaced by three international standards, ISO 9001, ISO 9002, ISO 9003.In 1996, attained the prestigious TickIT certification from LRQA, complementary to ISO 9001 and specifically applicable to the design, installation and maintenance of pipeline inspection data processing software.
* In 2002, Certification to the International Standard ISO 14001.
ISO 9001, 9002 and 9003 (1994) were all replaced in 2000 by international standard ISO 9000: 2000. PII attained ISO 9001: 2000 certification in 2003 for all major operational sites across the world.
* In 2006, Certified to the British Standard BS OHSAS 18001.
By the end of 2008, GE will increase the scope yet again by attaining third party certification to the International Standard ISO29001 (the oil and gas industry's adaptation of ISO 9001). This standard is identical to the American API specification Q1, for compliance to API1163 requirements, which GE has been compliant with since 2006.
GE drives these programs with leadership, commitment and ongoing determination to ensure safety in all areas in partnership with pipeline operators worldwide for effective hazard identification, risk assessment, mitigation and management.
About GE's Oil & Gas business
GE Oil & Gas (www.ge.com/oilandgas) is a world leader in advanced technology equipment and services for all segments of the oil and gas industry, offering complete solutions for production, LNG, transportation, storage, refineries, and petrochemicals. It also provides pipeline integrity solutions including software and asset management. With its acquisition of VetcoGray and Hydril Pressure Control, GE Oil & Gas now offers additional products, systems and services for drilling, completion and production within onshore, offshore and subsea applications.
About GE
GE (NYSE: GE) is a diversified global infrastructure, finance and media company that is built to meet essential world needs. From energy, water, transportation and health to access to money and information, GE serves customers in more than 100 countries and employs more than 300,000 people worldwide. GE is Imagination at Work. For more information, visit the company's Web site at http://www.ge.com.
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