This is the latest news on the API Monogram Program.  These issues are relevant to the oil & gas industries for companies large and small, and most importantly, for you and your job.

Spec Q1 Changes

By now you have probably heard that API Spec. Q1 has been revised from the 7th Edition (June 15, 2003) to the 8th Edition (December 2007 - Effective June 15, 2008).

Approximately 33 changes have occurred.  While some of changes were deletions and editorials, several of the changes could have a significant impact upon your level of compliance to this standard if the changes are not incorporated into your quality management system and implemented prior to June 15, 2008.

Change Relevance

Everyone involved with the Q1 standard should be aware of these categories of change and what the underlying direction of these changes mean. 

While some of the changes are editorial, other changes may require a modification of your existing process(es). 

For example the combination of changes to para. 4.1.1, 7.4.1.3 and 7.5.2.1 (see sidebar - Sample Changes) basically means that the licensee is responsible for all contracted processes, particularly those that require validations.  Q1 identifies those processes as (at a minimum) NDE, welding and heat treating.  Combine this with API product specification requirements, and the processes requiring validation can be expanded (e.g., forging, casting).

This does not mean a simple "grandfathering" of the supplier, but a true evaluation and documentation of the supplier's capability.  Documentation may include having a copy of the suppliers' personnel qualifications, process procedures, equipment calibration records and so on.  See ANSWERS ON COMPLIANCE below.

Adoption Process

The published Q1 changes have to be understood, your quality manual has to be revised, the revisions have to be reflected in your processes and the changes have to be implemented by 15 June 2008.

If you have not received your copy of Q1, 8th Edition, obtain a copy from the API or extra copies from IHS at http://global.ihs.com/.

ANSWERS ON COMPLIANCE

Click Here  for a free copy of Bud Weightman's presentation to the API 2006 Auditor Summit, titled:

THE LICENSEE'S RESPONSIBILITY

FOR PROCESS VALIDATION

For further information about QSI's services:

budqsi@isoconsultants.com

or go to our website: 

http://www.isoconsultants.com/

For Bud Weightman's CV:

http://www.isoconsultants.com/R-T-(Bud)-Weightman.html

Volunteers Needed

API Subcommittee 18
Task Group 1
Auditing Effectiveness

If you are interested, please contact Bud Weightman at the email address provided below.  Bud has been the chairman of TG1 since 2004.

There are two work groups needing volunteers:

• Work Group on API Spec. 6A (Specification for Wellhead and Christmas Tree Equipment)
• Work Group on API Spec. 7 (7-1, Specification for Rotary Drill Stem Elements)

These work groups are important. You can participate and understand the upcoming changes that will occur during your future audit process.