Ever wonder how the oil and gas industry makes sure all its
working parts meet engineering standards and regulations? Just
think about the extent of this challenge! The quality control and
inspection list is endless and may include electrical and
mechanical equipment, offshore drilling and production facilities,
service rigs, gas processing plants and oil sands mines, land and
undersea pipelines, fire detection, sprinklers and extinguishing
systems and helicopter decks.
Envision yourself inspecting sites, investigating accidents and
recommending improvements to ensure standards, specifications and
conditions are met. You could be inspecting for corrosion on
pipelines or making sure emergency systems and escape routes are up
to code. It's all part ofthe day-to-day life of the skilled
inspector.
If you are technically inclined, are a stickler for detail and
enjoy problem solving, this could be your future. These experts
work behind the scenes to help keep the industry running at peak
performance.
What does a Quality Control and Inspection Professional
do?
Quality Control and Inspection Professionals
consult and provide services to ensure compliance withengineering
design specifications, standards and procedures, and with
environmental, health andsafety regulations. Jobs in your career
path could include any of the following:
- Regulatory
Inspector: Conducts inspections of oil or gas drilling
sites, well servicing, well abandonment operations, enhanced oil
recovery production operations and pipelines to ensure compliance
with regulations.
- Asset Integrity
Inspector: Provides technical support in developing
corrosion prevention techniques that meet codes and standards,
reduce failures, minimize operating costs and extend the life of
the company's assets.
- Electrical and
Instrumentation Specialist: Ensures that electrical and
instrumentation equipment meets applicable regulations, codes,
standards and specifications.
- Quality Control
Inspector: Designs, implements and maintains the company's
quality program for large, multi-disciplinary projects with quality
controls.
- Subsea Inspector:
Provides specialist consulting services such as subsea inspection
techniques, corrosion assessment, pipeline engineering and pipeline
integrity management systems.
How do I become a Quality Control and Inspection
Professional?
A degree or post-secondary diploma in a relevant field is an
important prerequisite for most quality control and inspection
roles. Consider fields such as engineering, petroleum technology,
health, safety and environmental sciences.
In many cases, individuals begin their work in some other
occupation, like engineering, and move into these jobs after
gaining an in-depth understanding of the business. Others may
decide that this is their primary interest area and look for
entry-level jobs in specialized quality control and inspection
companies.
Certifications pertaining to boilers and pressure vessels,
non-destructive testing or welding inspection are often required
for those specializations. Some jobs may require certification in
confined space entry. A valid driver's license along with a safe
driving record is also needed.
What are the working conditions like?
You will travel frequently to project and operation sites such
as drilling and service rigs, offshore platforms and production,
processing or fabrication facilities. Overnight stays may be
required. You may be exposed to inclement weather and potentially
hazardous conditions. Safety protocols are strictly adhered to.
Most roles require physical fitness. Others may require hydrogen
sulfide (H2S) training, the ability to work in confined spaces and
heights in excess of 15 meters. Appropriate time off is given and
over time is common especiallywhen on-site.
Do I fit the bill?
Do you think you have what it takes to become a Quality
Control and Inspection Professional?
- I appreciate the importance of rules
and guidelines and always follow them.
- I can confidently make decisions
using critical thinking and common sense.
- I like examining things closely and
recommending fixes or improvements.
- I can use a variety of software to
create spreadsheets, graphs and documents.
- I am keen to learn about quality
assurance/control activities at various stages of engineering
design, construction, start-up and operations.
- I have strong organizational
skills.
- I can work in fast-paced
environments, manage changing priorities and meet tight
deadlines.
- I can react quickly and stay focused
when unexpected events occur.
- I can work in potentially harsh
conditions, remote locations and other challenging
environments.
- I believe I have what it takes to be
an excellent Quality Control and Inspection
Professional!
Quick tips and next steps!
- Learn more about the industry at the
Centre for Energy website at www.centreforenergy.com.
- Browse through the websites of
regulatory agencies and check out the regulations, bulletins
andother information regarding industry quality control and
inspection requirements.
- Review information on websites such
as the Canadian Standards Association (CSA),
InternationalOrganization for Standardization (ISO), American
Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME),American Petroleum Institute
(API), American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM),American
Welding Society (AWS) and the Canadian Welding Bureau
(CWB).
- Check with employment centres,
educational institutions, newspapers, petroleum-relatedmagazines
and the internet for information on industry career
fairs.
- Get field experience by applying for
summer jobs with oil and gas companies.
Want more info?
For information on other industry occupations check out www.careersinoilandgas.com.