§ Mr. DobsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what established British safety standards exist for the piping on land of hydrogen sulphide gas; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ForthHydrogen sulphide is not piped on land as a pure gas outside gas refineries; the safety of pipelines containing gases on land generally is governed by:
- The Pipelines Act 1962;
- The Notification of Installations Handling Hazardous Substances Regulations 1982;
- The Pressure Systems and Transportable Gas Containers Regulations 1989.
In addition, the construction and operation of pipelines are subject to the general provisions of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, which require employers to protect the health and safety of employees and members of the public affected by work activity, and designers and manufacturers of articles for use at work to ensure that they are designed and constructed to be safe when properly used.
British standards, where they exist, provide a sound basis for the design and construction of pipelines. Other national or international standards providing an equivalent standard of safety are also acceptable. A British standard code of practice (BS 8010) for pipelines is currently in preparation; this is largely based on what is already current practice, and being followed by much of the industry.