Working Near Gas Mains Safely
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Working Near Gas Mains Safely
Gas mains operate at varying pressures depending on their size and location in the network. Low-pressure mains serve individual properties, medium-pressure mains serve local distribution, and high-pressure mains carry gas across the national transmission system. Striking any gas main creates an immediate explosion and fire risk. Gas is odourless in its natural state but has a distinctive smell added for detection purposes. Every operative working near gas infrastructure must know how to detect, avoid, and respond to a gas escape.
- Identify all gas main locations from utility records and mark them on the site plan before excavation.
- Carry out a CAT and Genny survey in all three modes along the entire excavation route.
- Hand dig within 500mm of any known or suspected gas main using non-sparking hand tools.
- Brief all operatives on the locations of gas mains, the depth, and the emergency procedure.
- Keep the National Gas Emergency number 0800 111 999 displayed at the work location.
- Do not use mechanical excavation tools within the hand-dig zone around any gas main.
- Monitor the excavation for the smell of gas throughout the working day.
- Protect exposed gas mains with sand surround and marker tape during backfill operations.
- Ensure no ignition sources including smoking are permitted within 10 metres of any exposed gas main.
If you smell gas or strike a gas main, evacuate the area upwind immediately. Remove all ignition sources. Call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 and then call 999. Do not attempt any repair.
- Gas mains can operate at pressures high enough to cause a jet flame extending several metres.
- Hand dig within 500mm of all gas mains using insulated, non-sparking tools only.
- The CAT and Genny scan must use all three modes because gas mains may not respond to all signals.
- Gas migrates through soil and can enter buildings some distance from the original escape point.
- The smell of gas must never be ignored — evacuate and call 0800 111 999 immediately.
- Exposed gas mains must be protected during backfill with sand surround and marker tape.
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