The HSE (Health and Safety Executive) enforces regulations related to gas mains and services, ensuring the safety of UK citizens. UK residents and contractors with questions regarding the installation and maintenance of gas lines are encouraged to read HSE publications and call the agency for advice and answers to gas supply questions.
A common gas mains and services issue is the required depth of the pipes. The Pipelines Safety Regulations 1996 (PSR) defines the required design and installation procedures for gas pipes, but does not give pipe depth requirements. The HSE publication, 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, give specific information about minimum pipe depth. HSE monitors gas pipe installation in the UK to make certain gas main pipes are a minimum of 750mm below the ground and service pipes are buried at least 375mm on private land and at least 450mm in areas with footpaths and highways.
Someone digging a garden can damage a gas main or service just as easily as someone digging a foundation for a home can. In order to help everyone follow PSR regulation 15, which states that no one is allowed to damage a gas pipeline, HSE provides two written sources of information. The information sheet, Avoiding Damage to Buried Services, and publication HSG47, Avoiding Danger from Underground Services, give guidance to those that are at risk of damaging a pipeline.
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.
HSE is monitoring the highly publicized Milford Haven Pipeline, which is owned by National Grid Gas. National Grid Gas must follow all established regulations for pipe design, system construction, and operation. The pipeline operators must comply with the health and safety laws of gas mains and services. HSE will inspect the construction and operation of the project to verify that all regulations are met. The agency will also determine land planning zones for areas affected by the pipeline construction. HSE regulation will continue after the completion of the pipeline.
HSE uses the pipeline diameter, pipe wall thickness, operating pressure limit, the class of steel used to manufacture the pipe and the burial depth to determine how property around the pipeline should be used. A quantified risk assessment (QRA) for thermal radiation is calculated, and HSE gives planning advice according to the findings.
A common gas mains and services issue is the required depth of the pipes. The Pipelines Safety Regulations 1996 (PSR) defines the required design and installation procedures for gas pipes, but does not give pipe depth requirements. The HSE publication, 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, give specific information about minimum pipe depth. HSE monitors gas pipe installation in the UK to make certain gas main pipes are a minimum of 750mm below the ground and service pipes are buried at least 375mm on private land and at least 450mm in areas with footpaths and highways.
Someone digging a garden can damage a gas main or service just as easily as someone digging a foundation for a home can. In order to help everyone follow PSR regulation 15, which states that no one is allowed to damage a gas pipeline, HSE provides two written sources of information. The information sheet, Avoiding Damage to Buried Services, and publication HSG47, Avoiding Danger from Underground Services, give guidance to those that are at risk of damaging a pipeline.
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.
HSE is monitoring the highly publicized Milford Haven Pipeline, which is owned by National Grid Gas. National Grid Gas must follow all established regulations for pipe design, system construction, and operation. The pipeline operators must comply with the health and safety laws of gas mains and services. HSE will inspect the construction and operation of the project to verify that all regulations are met. The agency will also determine land planning zones for areas affected by the pipeline construction. HSE regulation will continue after the completion of the pipeline.
HSE uses the pipeline diameter, pipe wall thickness, operating pressure limit, the class of steel used to manufacture the pipe and the burial depth to determine how property around the pipeline should be used. A quantified risk assessment (QRA) for thermal radiation is calculated, and HSE gives planning advice according to the findings.
About the Author:
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.
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