Distribution Safety, Supply and Measurement
[ Last Updated 25 May 2006 ]
Distribution System Safety
Q. I Would Like to Start Supplying Reticulated Gas, What Should I Do?
A. You must comply with all of the requirements of the Gas Act 1992 and Gas Regulations 1993. Note that every person who supplies gas or provides line function services shall advise the Ministry of Economic Development within one month of commencement of supply of gas, the place at which that person is carrying out the business.
You must be able to demonstrate that you have adequate resources and competencies to be able to comply fully with the requirements of NZS5262 and other relevant Standards.
Q. How Can a Gas Distributor Demonstrate Compliance With the Safety Requirements of the Gas Legislation?
A. The distribution system must be constructed, maintained and operated safely, in accordance with the Gas Regulations. Compliance with NZS 5258: Gas Distribution Networks: 2003 is deemed to be a means of compliance. A third-party audit of verifiable, documented procedures and records would assist in demonstration of such compliance.
Energy Safety carries out audits of various aspects of gas distribution networks. The audit includes sighting of all documentation in relation to design, construction, testing, commissioning, operation and maintenance of the piping system, measurement systems and gas quality, including odour.
You must be able to provide adequate documentation and proof that you are managing a gas distribution system that is safe and in full compliance with the requirements when audited by Energy Safety.
Q. Who Can I, as a Gas Network Operator, Employ to Construct or Run a Gas Distribution Network?
A. You must be able to demonstrate the competency of all employees and contractors working on your distribution system. Although no formal or recognised qualification is required, auditors will expect to see the record of training and qualification of these people. Special attention will be paid to the qualifications of jointers and people attending to gas emergencies. In addition, a recent industry recognition and assessment system is considered by auditors as a reputable measure of competency of distribution system workers.
Q. What Should I, as a General Digging Contractor, Do if I Need to Dig a Road or Premises that is Supplied With Reticulated Gas?
A. Gas utilities have produced pamphlets and guidelines which you should obtain and follow before commencing any digging where there could be the potential for the existence of buried gas pipes.
You must identify the gas supplier(s) in the area and obtain a copy of the gas piping plan for that location, or ask the supplier to mark the location of the pipe and give you an indication of the depth of the pipe. If you cannot find the pipe, the supplier should send one of its staff to be present at the time of the digging.
When working in the vicinity of gas pipes YOU MUST BE EXTREMELY CAUTIOUS and continue by hand-digging only. Some polyethylene gas pipes - but not all - have a yellow tape 200mm above the pipe. However, not all gas pipes have a tape above them, as some may have been laid by directional drilling or insertion, and you should not rely on the presence of a marker tape to identify the location of the pipework.
You must also have the right training and tools for dealing with any emergency that may arise.
Q. As a Tradesperson, Where Can I Get Training to Be Able to Work on Distribution Systems?
A. Some utilities run their own training programmes. In addition, the Extractive Industry Training Organisation (EXITO) [P O Box 8142, New Plymouth. Tel: 06 769 6267; Fax: 06 769 6730] offers some modules of training for mains and service layers.
Supply Quality
Q. How Do I Find Out About the Quality of the Gas?
A. You can obtain this information from the gas supplier.
Measurement
Q. What Affects the Accuracy of a Gas Measurement System?
A. The gas type and quality, pressure, temperature and altitude of the installation, influence the accuracy of measurement. All these factors must be taken into account.
Gas measurement must be carried out in accordance with the Gas Regulations and NZS 5259: Gas Measurement: 2003.
Selection and installation of gas measurement systems are also important and should be carried out in accordance with NZS 5259.
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