Supply Of Gas – Safety

Regulations for gas mains and services are established to protect UK residents, and the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) monitors the compliance of these regulations. HSE publications provide homeowners and construction workers with essential information about gas supply lines. Questions about any aspect of pipeline safety, including installation and maintenance, should be directed to a Health and Safety Executive representative.

Both construction workers and homeowners are concerned about the depth requirements for gas mains and services. Gas pipe design and installation specifications are described in the Pipelines Safety Regulations 1996 (PSR), but this does not stipulate how deep gas pipes need to be. Two guides for pipe depth installation are available: HSEs A Guide to the Pipelines Safety Regulations 1996 and the HSC (Health and Safety Commission) publication, Approved Code of Practice and Guidance Design, Construction and Installation of Gas Service Pipes. Gas mains need to be at least 750mm below the ground. Service pipes on private land must be a minimum of 375mm below the ground, and a minimum depth of 450mm is needed for pipes near highways and footpaths.

Anyone that digs in the ground can damage a gas main or service pipe, which is unlawful according to PSR regulation 15. Practical instructions and guidelines to decrease the risk of damaging a gas pipeline can be found in HSE HSG47, Avoiding Danger from Underground Services, and information sheet, Avoiding Damage to Buried Services.

HSE also regulates the conditions of pipelines according to regulation 13 of PSR. Iron pipes were commonly used in past years, and HSE has mandated that all iron gas pipes that are in close proximity of occupied property be decommissioned and replaced with pipes made of materials such as polyethylene. Because of the size of the existing gas pipe network, a deadline of March 2032 was set to give pipeline operators ample time to complete this project. HSE expects operators to replace any pipes that are known to be a threat to the public immediately.

National Grid Gas new high-pressure Milford Haven Pipeline is being monitored by HSE for regulation compliance and safe design, construction, and operation. HSE is responsible for ensuring all health and safety laws are adhered to, establishing land use planning zones, and inspecting the construction and operation of the pipeline to determine if codes and standards are followed. After the completion of the pipeline, HSE will monitor the gas line and regulate the maintenance and safety of the line.

National Grid Gas is receiving direction from HSE for the pipe installation. Land used for the construction of the pipeline must be zoned for pipeline installation, and HSE determines this through calculations using characteristics of the pipe, such as the diameter and wall thickness. HSE uses a quantified risk assessment (QRA) of thermal radiation to make advisements regarding pipeline placement.

By: Tal Potishman

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Tal Potishman, editor of Heating Central, writes articles about efficient heating, boilers, Gloucester plumbers, underfloor heating and solar thermal. He specializes in helping save money by advising on efficient heating.