Building Pipeline Safety Skills
Mike Smith, speaking on behalf of ExxonMobil, joined Brian Haldane on Mornings With Brian Haldane to discuss pipeline safety and emergency response training in Louisiana.
Smith explained that pipeline safety remains a major priority for companies operating across the state. While pipelines provide an efficient way to transport critical products, he said companies also have a responsibility to help local first responders prepare for potential emergencies.
That responsibility helped create the Louisiana Pipeline Emergency Training Program, or LIPET, through a collaboration involving ExxonMobil, River Parishes Community College and the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Free Training for Louisiana Firefighters
LIPET provides free eight-hour training for Louisiana firefighters. The program accommodates both career and volunteer departments by offering training on different days throughout the year.
The course begins in the classroom, where firefighters learn about products transported through Louisiana pipelines, including crude oil, natural gas and carbon dioxide.
Smith highlighted the importance of understanding the differences between responding to hydrocarbon incidents and potential CO2 releases.
From Classroom Training to Real-World Response
The program then moves into hands-on exercises at the Fire and Emergency Training Academy near LSU. Firefighters practice responding to hydrocarbon incidents before training on Louisiana’s only CO2 pipeline response prop, which ExxonMobil built at the facility.
Smith said the exercises help firefighters develop the muscle memory they need during an emergency. Training also emphasizes that first responders should not operate pipeline equipment. Instead, trained pipeline personnel handle system controls while firefighters focus on protecting residents, establishing safe perimeters and communicating with the surrounding community.
The final LIPET class of 2026 was scheduled for October 24 at FEDA. Smith encouraged firefighters to register through their ACADIS accounts while spots remained available.
The program demonstrates how industry, educational institutions and emergency-response agencies can work together to strengthen pipeline emergency preparedness across Louisiana.