Greetings from Chairperson and Our Standard Development（English）

Yoichi Ishizaki(Idemitsu Kosan Co.Ltd)
chairperson
Pressure Equipment Sustainable Safety Management Division

Petroleum and petrochemical plants, which form a critical part of our social infrastructure, are constructed from welded structures such as pressure vessels and piping. The safety management of these facilities after commissioning is governed by various laws and regulations. In recent years, regulatory frameworks have been evolving to incorporate greater flexibility in response to technological advancements. 

In alignment with these developments, this Subcommittee was established in October 2023 to serve as a forum for discussing post-commissioning safety management technologies. Its activities include the review and revision of inspection methods and related technical standards, sharing of practical operational experiences, implementation of human resource development programs, and the exploration and development of new technologies.

Member companies bear the responsibility of ensuring a stable supply as part of a mature foundational industry, while striving for rational and efficient operations under the premise of the highest safety standards in an increasingly competitive global environment. Domestically and internationally, the assurance of safety after commissioning has evolved beyond the traditional concept of relying solely on design and manufacturing standards established during construction. The current focus is on a more comprehensive technical approach that encompasses inspection and evaluation methodologies, as well as organizational and systemic frameworks. This approach integrates the latest knowledge in fracture mechanics, material degradation, corrosion and protection, human resource development, and risk management systems. It can be regarded as a form of sustainable technology that enables the effective utilization of existing facilities with high safety, rationality, and efficiency.

To advance the application of such sustainable technologies, the Subcommittee leverages and values the extensive technical expertise accumulated by its member companies. It engages in systematic discussions concerning the domestic application of international standards for maintenance and safety management—such as those established by the American Petroleum Institute (API) and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)—and promotes the development and alignment of corresponding domestic standards. Furthermore, recognizing that human resource development is of equal or greater importance than the establishment of technical standards for post-commissioning safety management, the Subcommittee places strong emphasis on educational initiatives. These include sharing experiences in the application of technical standards, conducting discussions aimed at continuous improvement, and promoting research and development of advanced technologies.

Membership in this Subcommittee is limited to “Specifically Authorized Advanced Safety Operators (A-Certified Operators)” and “Specifically Authorized Operators (Super-Certified Operators)” as defined under the High Pressure Gas Safety Act. Nonetheless, in pursuit of the highest standards of safety technology, the Subcommittee actively promotes collaboration and exchange with a wide range of related technical fields and values diverse professional perspectives. In particular, it fosters cooperation with other committees and subcommittees of the Japan Welding Engineering Society—such as the Chemical Machinery and Welding Research Committee—as well as with other academic and professional organizations. Participation of neutral experts in the various committees of this Subcommittee is also encouraged.

We welcome not only the participation of certified operators but also the support and cooperation of all individuals and organizations interested in contributing to these activities through involvement in related committees and subcommittees.