Introduction

The Pipelines Safety Regulations 1996 (PSR): require that operators of pipelines transporting dangerous fluids must prepare a Major Accident Prevention Document (MAPD) for their Major Accident Hazard Pipelines (MAHP). They also require Local Authorities at county or equivalent level, once notified of a pipeline by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), to prepare an emergency plan for the MAHP passing through their area. The requirement under these Regulations is for emergency plans, which should specifically relate to the protection of the health and safety of people. This regulation does not relate to any environmental damage.

The Regulations also require a pipeline operator to establish emergency procedures for such pipelines.

General
Pipelines are considered a safe mode of transportation for conveying hazardous substances and are often safer than alternative methods, for example, by road and rail. However, there are occasions when pipeline failure results in loss of containment or accidental release of the pipeline contents. Emergency plans are required to provide an additional safeguard so that, in the unlikely event of an emergency involving a major accident hazard pipeline, protection could be provided to members of the public whose health and safety might be affected.

The HSE guidance booklet L822 provides advice on HSE’s interpretation of the Regulations and how they will be enforced. The purpose of this document is to amplify that advice, especially in relation to the roles of local authorities and pipeline operators in preparing emergency plans. This guidance document considers in more detail the nature of pipeline hazards, some technical aspects of major accident hazard pipelines and the likelihood and consequences of pipeline failure.