CONSTRUCTION-RELATED PIPELINE INCIDENTS SPIRALLING, REPORT FINDS

THE NUMBER OF TIMES construction workers and developers were found to be working too close to high-pressure oil, gas and chemical pipes without the owner’s permission increased by 57% last year, according to Linewatch, the pipeline safety and awareness group. Of the 316 incidents reported, 127 (40%) were caused by contractors and developers.

Murray Peat, manager of Linewatch, commented: “Construction workers have historically been some of the worst offenders when it comes to damaging or operating too close to the UK’s underground network of high-pressure oil, gas and chemical pipelines. Although reporting took a major step forward in 2022, a 57% increase is significant. It highlights that there is still plenty of educational work to do, engaging with developers and contractors up and down the country.”

An infringement can range from someone working near an oil, gas or chemical pipeline without the proper permissions or the owner’s awareness, through to them actually striking or damaging a pipe.

Linewatch's annual Infringement Report states that close to half of infringements occurred even though the person responsible for the incident was already aware of the pipeline’s existence. That is a 15% increase on 2021 and highlights a distinct casualness in some quarters about the dangers of working near pipelines.

Murray Peat expressed concern at the situation: “There is an assumption that high-pressure pipelines carrying flammable oil, gas and chemicals are buried too deep underground to hit. This is far from the truth; in fact, they can be buried as little as three feet below the surface. Given that hitting one of these pipes can cause serious injuries and fatalities, as well as irreversible environmental damage with commensurate fines, it is clear why searching before digging is so important.”

He concluded: “There are no signs of digging slowing down as the government commits to kickstarting the UK economy to regain control over spiralling inflation. It is therefore more important than ever that the correct digging procedures are followed.”

To download the full 2022 Infringement Report visit the Linewatch website at www.linewatch.org.uk q