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Landowner guidelines for High Pressure Oil & Gas Pipelines. Things to do and things not to do when working around existing pipelines.

What we do:

BPA fuel pipelines carry highly flammable liquid petroleum products (petrol, diesel and kerosene) or natural gas at pressures up to 100bar (1500psi).

Pipelines are made of welded steel and are designed to me et these internal pressures, but are susceptible to damage from excavating machinery, drainage machinery, fencing machinery or even hand tools. Nominal depth of cover is only 3ft (900mm).

BPA insist that all work within 3m of their pipelines must receive prior approval and be supervised, on site, by a BPA Technician.

The pipeline route is regularly patrolled by helicopter and ground patrols.

Why it's important:

Avoid Personal Injury or Death: The employing authority (or his contractor) shall be responsible for all or any liability under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

Avoid Environmental Damage: Any pipeline incident immediately causes pollution of soil, water and the atmosphere and could lead to a prosecution by the Environment Agency.

Avoid Financial Penalties: BPA estimate that a pipeline incident could cost £10,000,000 in repair and cleanup costs. Avoid Prosecution: No works shall take place within 3m (10ft) on either side of a pipeline without prior approval of the pipeline operator in accordance with the provisions of the Deeds of Grant and the Pipeline Safety Regulations Act 1996.

Avoid Delays: BPA will stop all works near the pipeline if work is considered to be unsafe to the pipeline.

The things to do if you are working near a BPA pipeline:

DO consult BPA in advance of your work
DO tell BPA if it is not clearly marked
DO arrange a site meeting in advance of the work
DO give BPA 7 days notice to arrange supervision
DO tell all your contractors and staff about the pipeline
DO work closely with BPA to ensure that your activities can be completed in total safety
DO call Lynn on 0800 585387

Do send details of proposals to:

The Land & Wayleaves Dept
BPA, 5-7 Alexandra Rd
Hemel Hempstead HP2 5BS
Tel 01442 218 911
Fax 01442 214077

DON'Ts

DON'T Clean out ditches with mechanical diggers before consulting us
DON'T use any machines in close proximity to the pipeline without contacting us.
DON'T erect fencing across the pipeline without consulting us.

If you have any questions regarding Landowner issues please Call Lynn on 0800 585387