วันพุธที่ 8 เมษายน พ.ศ. 2552

Gas Supply is Carefully Managed

By Tal Potishman

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.

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.

Homeowners working in their yard and construction workers can inadvertently damage a gas main or service. Regulation 15 in PSR prohibits anyone from damaging a gas pipeline. HSE provides publication HSG47, Avoiding Danger from Underground Services, and information sheet, Avoiding Damage to Buried Services, as guidelines for those planning to work in areas containing gas mains or services.

Gas mains and services must be in good condition in order to comply with PSR regulation 13. HSE ensures the safety of all gas pipelines, and the agency has determined that all existing iron gas pipes near occupied territories must be replaced with pipes of polyethylene or other suitable material. Pipeline operators have until March 2032 to decommission and replace all iron pipelines in their systems. Any pipes that are known to be in questionable condition are expected to be replaced as soon as possible.

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.

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