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Written question asked by Alex Norris (Labour) on Tuesday, 30 October 2018, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 5 November 2018 (named day). It was answered by Sarah Newton (Conservative) on Monday, 5 November 2018 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.


Natural Gas: Pipelines

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to the North Sea Forties pipeline shutdown, what steps the Government is taking to ensure that privately owned gas transport infrastructure is adequately inspected and maintained.

Answer

The safety and integrity of Great Britain’s gas transport infrastructure is governed by the Pipelines Safety Regulations 1996 (PSR) and the Gas Safety (Management) Regulations 1996 (GSMR), made under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. Under these regulations, there is a duty on a pipeline operator to ensure that a pipeline is designed and constructed to appropriate standards and operated, managed and maintained safely.

In addition, the Health and Safety Executive develops inspection and intervention plans, based on the risk profile of work activities, and works closely with pipeline operators to ensure the risks from pipelines remain adequately controlled.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
186428
Session
2017-19
Transferred
Yes
Subjects
Inspections Natural gas Pipelines Repairs and maintenance
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk