Illegal Tapping in the Process Safety Management

The number of threats to operational safety in pipelines through theft or attempts to steal fuel transported in pipelines is increasing, such an illegal action known as clandestine derivation (illegal tapping). This practice can cause significant consequences such as fatalities, injuries, explosions, fires, significant environmental damage, damage to the economy, loss of inventory, reconstruction costs, discontinuity of production, increased risk in the insurance premium and damage to the image of companies involved to the accident. As an example, we can mention the recent accident that occurred in Mexico in 2019, in which more than 90 people died when they had tried to theft gasoline from the pipeline. The efficient and safe oil transportation and distribution are challenges for technical solutions and this economic activity is essential for the country's supply. In this context, the management of the pipeline's operational safety is paramount. This work aims to present an approach of illegal tapping in the management of hazards and risks of process safety.