The methods and procedures we use to build pipelines are based on established best practice, the latest industry guidance and a number of British and International Standards and regulations. This means we have to put plans in place for managing the effects of noise and construction traffic on local roads and communities, managing the waste generated by our activities and of course plans to protect the environment. Designated engineers are responsible for all health, safety and environmental issues on site including carrying out safety evaluations and risk assessments. In addition, ongoing liaison is maintained with bodies such as the Environment Agency, local authorities and, in particular, environmental health officers and highways officials.

A project archaeologist has a permanent brief to identify and monitor any archaeological remains encountered during excavation works and put in place the necessary mitigation. An environmentalist will also be included in the project team to ensure the measures outlined in the Environmental Impact Assessment, and the more detailed Environmental Management Plan, are fully complied with. Agricultural liaison officers will maintain communication with farmers to ensure their needs are met before, during and after construction. People living near the route will be kept informed of the hours of work, the working arrangements and the duration of construction activities.

Safety

National Grid has operated high-pressure natural gas pipelines for more than 35 years and has an excellent and well-established safety record. There has never been a serious incident affecting life or property on the National Gas Transmission System in all of that time. High-pressure pipelines are built to the most exacting safety standards. They are designed, constructed and operated in accordance with the Institution of Gas Engineers & Managers guideline: Steel pipelines for high-pressure gas transmission (IGE/TD/1: Edition 4). This is the recognised industry standard. We also have our own set of design codes which have been fully accepted by the Health and Safety Executive.

The pipe we use is made from high grade steel. All welds are subject to non-destructive testing and each section undergoes a rigorous hydrostatic pressure test to check its integrity before it can be commissioned. To protect against corrosion, the pipes and welds are coated. We install a cathodic protection system for additional protection.

Once a pipeline is operational, we run a strict and rigorous programme of inspection and maintenance. Pipeline internal gauges known as PIGs are sent through the pipe to check for any defects.

Above ground equipment is fitted with state-of-the-art telemetry devices which feed vital round-the-clock data about the performance and condition of equipment to a team of highly-trained system operators at our National Control Centre. If necessary we can instantly shut down parts of the system by remote control using strategically-placed valves.

In this day and age no major piece of engineering can be built without adequate regard for security and anti-terrorism measures. Although we can’t reveal what these are, security, along with safety, is our top priority. We have consulted a number of experts, including the Ministry of Defence, to ensure that the measures taken meet their requirements.

A high-pressure pipeline is an extremely secure piece of equipment because it is naturally protected from interference as a result of being buried at least 1.2 metres below ground. In some cases, for example under roads and rivers, it can be much deeper.

Although normal farming operations are unaffected we do not allow any excavations within three metres either side of our pipeline. We maintain a watchful eye by regularly walking the route and conducting aerial surveys by helicopter. We maintain close links with landowners and farmers to ensure they know and understand the safety rules and can alert us if they see unauthorised activity, deliberate or otherwise.

Informing local communities

Elected representatives of affected communities will be kept informed of pipeline issues from as early a point in the planning process as possible.

We also inform local communities and individual premises whenever our works are taking place close by, and we will try to accommodate any special requirements where possible.

You can also contact us using the details shown on the right hand side of this page.