The Pipelines Safety Regulations 1996

PART IIGENERAL

Design of a pipeline

5.  The operator shall ensure that no fluid is conveyed in a pipeline unless it has been so designed that, so far as is reasonably practicable, it can withstand—

(a)forces arising from its operation;

(b)the fluids that may be conveyed in it; and

(c)the external forces and the chemical processes to which it may be subjected.

Safety systems

6.  The operator shall ensure that no fluid is conveyed in a pipeline unless it has been provided with such safety systems as are necessary for securing that, so far as is reasonably practicable, persons are protected from risk to their health or safety.

Access for examination and maintenance

7.  The operator shall ensure that no fluid is conveyed in a pipeline unless it has been so designed that, so far as is reasonably practicable, it may be examined and work of maintenance may be carried out safely.

Materials

8.  The operator shall ensure that no fluid is conveyed in a pipeline unless it is composed of materials which are suitable.

Construction and installation

9.  The operator shall ensure that no fluid is conveyed in a pipeline (save for the purpose of testing it) unless it has been so constructed and installed that, so far as is reasonably practicable, it is sound and fit for the purpose for which it has been designed.

Work on a pipeline

10.  The operator shall ensure that modification, maintenance or other work on a pipeline is carried out in such a way that its soundness and fitness for the purpose for which it has been designed will not be prejudiced.

Operation of a pipeline

11.  The operator shall ensure that—

(a)no fluid is conveyed in a pipeline unless the safe operating limits of the pipeline have been established; and

(b)a pipeline is not operated beyond its safe operating limits,

save for the purpose of testing it.

Arrangements for incidents and emergencies

12.  The operator shall ensure that no fluid is conveyed in a pipeline unless adequate arrangements have been made for dealing with—

(a)an accidental loss of fluid from;

(b)discovery of a defect in or damage to; or

(c)other emergency affecting,

the pipeline.

Maintenance

13.  The operator shall ensure that a pipeline is maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair.

Decommissioning

14.—(1) The operator shall ensure that a pipeline which has ceased to be used for the conveyance of any fluid is left in a safe condition.

(2) The operator of a pipeline shall ensure that work done in discharge of the duty contained in paragraph (1) is performed safely.

Damage to pipeline

15.  No person shall cause such damage to a pipeline as may give rise to a danger to persons.

Prevention of damage to pipelines

16.  For the purpose of ensuring that no damage is caused to a pipeline, the operator shall take such steps to inform persons of its existence and whereabouts as are reasonable.

Co-operation

17.  Where there are different operators for different parts of a pipeline, each operator shall co-operate with the other so far as is necessary to enable the operators to comply with the requirements of these Regulations.