UK Gas and pipelines safety new arrangements for competition in the domestic market

The UK domestic gas supply market opened up to competition and this has implications for safety. The paper describes the approach being proposed for the safe managment of gas through pipes. Safety cases will be required from gas coveyors for submission and acceptance by HSE, the regulator. When accepted they will carry the force of UK legal requirements. New pipelines safety legislation is being introduced with two levels of control, the top tier controls being applicable to major accident hazard pipelines. Also a written Major accident Prevention Policy and a documented safety system will be required. policy decisions for scoping the top tier requirements draw on risk research (AU)