Pipeline Safety Regulations 1996

The pipeline Safety Regulations 1996, are a means of ensuring that Major Accident Hazard Pipelines are designed, constructed and operated safely and thus provide a means of securing pipeline integrity. The Pipeline Safety Regulations are enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Emergency Plans have to be prepared for all Major Accident hazard Pipelines in a local authority area.

What is a Major Accident Hazard Pipeline?

A Major Accident Hazard Pipeline is a pipeline that transports a flammable liquid, chemical substance or gas. These substances are known collectively as dangerous fluids, as defined in schedule 2 of the Pipeline Safety Regulations.

Special requirements apply to Major Accident Hazard pipelines, including:

  • Notifications regime
  • Major accident prevention document
  • Arrangements for emergency plans

The Pipelines Safety Regulations 1996 ensure that the design, construction, installation, operation, maintenance, and decommissioning of pipelines is to a very high safety standard.
Links to the pipelines sections of the Health and Safety Executive website can be found at the bottom of the page.

What should I do if I smell gas?

If you smell gas or suspect a gas leak you should phone the 24-hour emergency number immediately:

Call: 0800 111 999

What is the risk of pipelines?

Pipelines are considered one of the safest modes of transport for conveying hazardous substances; the likelihood of an explosion in a natural gas pipeline in the UK is low. However, the loss of containment following a pipeline fracture or accidental release could have disastrous consequences, measures are therefore taken to reduce the risks they pose.

The operators for the notified Major Accident Hazard Pipelines within Berkshire are National Grid &Southern Gas Networks. The product carried is natural gas. For security reasons the location of these pipelines are not made available to the public.

Freedom of information and the Pipeline Safety Regulations

Each request for information in relation to Pipeline Safety Regulations Plans has to be considered on its merits and the appropriateness of applying exemptions will depend on the specific request and the nature of the information. Whilst some of the information may be released as it would have no adverse affect on national security, there is a risk of an adverse effect to national security or public safety from releasing certain pieces of information, and hence each request for information will be dealt with on its own merits.

If you wish to make a freedom of information request in relation to the Pipeline Safety Regulations you can contact the Councils Emergency Planning Officer, contact details can be found at the top of this page.