During this unprecedented time of a global health crisis and volatility in the oil and gas market, we understand that many companies are considering how to close gaps in the workforce.

Whether you have experienced a staff shortage, a disruption in the workforce, or other challenges due to the need to re-allocate resources, you may be considering whether to utilize contractors to support your measurement function.

We recently released a survey inquiring about whether companies and operators plan to utilize contractors as a stopgap. (You can still take the survey to provide us with feedback on your specific challenges).

The results indicate that companies are thinking about using contractors or have already taken steps to introduce contractors into the measurement function. To support this move, it’s important that contractors receive adequate training on the fundamentals of measurement.

What does this look like? It’s advancing beyond a basic understanding of the equipment and tools used by your company in the field to a more comprehensive understanding of the industry standards that provide guidance on how to achieve measurement certainty.

Why Training on the Industry Standards?

Fundamental training on the AGA, API, and GPA industry standards for gas, liquid, and/or crude measurement drives understanding of how to perform measurement.

Then, once understanding is achieved, contractors can readily apply the standards consistently, accurately, and with integrity when in the field performing their function.

Achieving this objective is important during this period of oil and gas volatility when your operation needs to maintain consistency in how measurement is performed, recorded, and reported. Integrating contractors who may be familiar with tools and equipment, but not industry standards, could lead to measurement uncertainty and undesired outcomes that impact operational integrity.

A discrepancy, inconsistency, or variation could cause a dispute with a third-party or could lead to inefficiencies from the contractor needing to return to the field to re-perform the measurement. This is preventable through a reliable and proven approach to achieve understanding through measurement training.

How Else Can You Support Contractors During Volatility?

We recommend that companies and operators implement measurement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) or update their existing measurement SOPs to support contractors.

Measurement SOPs provide best practices in the specific application of industry standards to mitigate uncertainty in measurement. Essentially, procedures provide consistency, and consistency provides accuracy.

SOPs can and should also be used to train contractors on processes such as verification, calibration, and recertification.

This combination of implementing measurement SOPs and then utilizing the SOPs to train contractors is the ideal path forward to support measurement integrity. Taking this step supports your company’s overall need to achieve operational efficiencies during this period of volatility and shifting priorities.

Support Available Through Custom Training and SOPs

Gas Certification Institute (GCI) provides support for both critical areas of measurement integrity, especially when utilizing contractors.

– Training: We offer custom training for measurement personnel, including contractors that may be introduced into your operation.

Through our available training on the fundamentals of measurement, contractors will be equipped to enter the field with confidence to perform measurement in a manner that supports your company’s objectives.

– SOPs: We prepare measurement SOPs that reflect industry standards, align with SOX measurement and reporting standards, and are customized for your specific operational activity.

Whether you need measurement SOPs implemented for the first time or updated to reflect the latest industry standards or your operational activity, we can provide immediate support in this area.

– We are available to discuss custom training for contractors and implementing/updating SOPs for your company. Contact us today to discuss a solution during the current period of oil and gas volatility. Reach us through our website, call 281-598-7200, or email contact@gascertification.com.