Business Challenge

A major midstream operator experienced a rise in incidents related to lockout/tagout (LOTO) and energy isolation at its Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) processing facility. Given the high-risk nature of energy isolation failures—and concern that a major incident could be imminent—the client needed an independent, expert-led audit to assess the effectiveness of existing isolation procedures, field practices,and supervisory controls.

Objectives & Success Criteria

The client sought to:

• Conduct a full Energy Isolation Audit across the NGL facility.
• Identify gaps inthe LOTO program, including procedural, administrative, and field-level weaknesses.
• Provide clear, prioritized corrective actions to reduce risk.
• Prevent recurrence of LOTO-related incidents and strengthen overall risk controls.

Success was measured by the depth and clarity of audit findings, the practicality of recommendations, and subsequent improvements in isolation practices and incident trends.

PMO Solution (What We Did)

PMO deployed senior HSE audit professionals with deep experience in NGL operations and energy isolation systems. The team conducted a comprehensive review that included:

• Document analysis of isolation procedures, job plans, and safe work practices
• Field observations and verification of isolation implementation
• Interviews with operators, maintenance personnel, and supervisors
• Assessment of administrative controls, training, and competency

The audit identified several critical gaps and vulnerabilities that required immediate attention. PMO provided a set of targeted, risk-based recommendations that the client deemed essential. Based on the quality of the audit, PMO was retained to support corrective action implementation.

Key Components / Activities

• Full Energy Isolation (LOTO) Audit of NGL facility
• Review of procedures, safe work practices, and isolation plans
• Field verification of LOTO implementation
• Interviews with operators and contractors
• Identification of gaps in training, supervision, and documentation
• Delivery of prioritized corrective actions and recommendations
• Post-audit support for implementation

Outcomes & Impact

The audit provided the client with a clear understanding of systemic issues contributing to LOTO-related incidents. PMO’s recommendations were considered critical top reventing a major event and improving the facility’s safety culture. The client re-engaged PMO to support corrective actions, demonstrating confidence in PMO’s technical expertise and practical approach. The project materially reduced risk and strengthened the client’s Energy Isolation program.  

Lessons Learned / Challenges Overcome

The primary challenge involved identifying root causes of recurring LOTO issues within a complex operating environment. PMO overcame this through detailed field engagement and by triangulating evidence from procedures, interviews, and observations. A key lesson learned was the importance of aligning field practices with documented systems—particularly in high-energy, high-risk operations such as NGL processing. 

Value Proposition Summary

PMO delivered arigorous Energy Isolation Audit that helped a major midstream operator address rising LOTO-related incidents and prevent potential serious events. By combining document review, field assessment, and expert recommendations, PMO strengthened the client’s safety controls and supported practical implementation of corrective actions. This project highlights PMO’s ability to deliver high-value HSE auditing and risk reduction for complex energy facilities.