Abstract: This paper describes the intension of pipeline risk management and definites its contents. It is pointed out that the substance of this technology is to assess the changing risk of pipeline system as to correct related safety activities, which belongs to the safety management in pipeline management system, and its economical substance is to decrease the potential loss that will be happened and optimize resource in pipeline safety maintenance. The author reviews the background of foreign pipeline risk management application effectiveness and risk management technology, and briefly introduces some risk management methods, such as FMECA and Point Scoring and so on. The application actualities of pipeline risk management technology in China is analyzed. The analytical results indicate that China should develop this technology as fast as possible because this technology now applied in China is basically at semi-quantitative analysis stage. The author considers that every effort must be done in study and application of pipeline risk management technology to meet the needs of pipeline design, construction and operation in China.