What is ISO 29001?
Quality management standards specific to the oil, gas and petrochemical industry make up ISO 29001. It can function as a stand-alone certification, or incorporated with ISO 9001, the generic quality management certification for all industries worldwide. In this case, the documentation for ISO 29001 standards differentiates between the generic and industry-specific quality management standards. ISO 29001 requirements are similar to API Q1 system specifications, especially to control features/documentation methods for conception, purchasing, training and other key company activities. They also include unique sector requirements for design, development, production, installation and product services.
ISO/TS 29001 is quality management system requirements for the design, development, production, installation, and service of products for the petroleum, petrochemical, and natural gas industries. It is equivalent to API Spec Q1 without the Monogram annex.
The oil, gas and petrochemical industry is by nature one of the most exposed to catastrophic risks. If the hazardous liquids and gases are mistreated or improperly managed, they can inflict significant damage on the environment and people. To complicate matters, the industry’s equipment and service providers are dispersed globally, and many operate in underdeveloped countries with very different cultural approaches. A high level of operational integrity specific to this industry is critical to safely keep operations up and running. This is good for business, for the protection it provides the environment, as well as personnel and the general public. An efficient way to reach this excellence and assure stakeholders is through an ISO 29001 certification.
