Pipeline Safety

Pipelines are the safest method of transporting large volumes of natural gas over long distances.  In the Northern Territory, pipelines provide a vital energy link for power generation and industry.

To keep our pipelines and people safe, we depend on individuals and companies who may come to work on or near our pipelines.  They are often the first lines of defence when it comes to ensuring our pipelines remain safe and reliable.

The natural gas we transport is colourless and odourless before our Tylers Pass odorant facility.  Natural gas will travel into the atmosphere because it's lighter than air.  However, it is flammable and can be explosive if allowed to collect in an enclosed space.  Our transmission pipelines operate at high pressure (some of them have a maximum operating pressure of 10,000 kPa, 50 times the pressure of a normal car tyre).

Buried pipe - out of sight, but not out of mind, please!
Pipelines are located in easements up to 30 metres wide and are marked by warning signs.  Easements are protected by law, with severe penalties for interference.
For your own safety and protection:

• Be aware of the regulatory requirements in the Energy Pipelines Act.
• Contact NT Gas FREE CALL (excludes mobile telephones) on 1800 019 112 when planning work on or near a pipeline.
• Obtain written approval from NT Gas before working near a pipeline.
• Notify NT Gas if you see others working near a pipeline.
• Inform NT Gas of any damage, leaks, or erosion that you observe.

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Pipeline Rules

The Energy Pipelines Act provides considerable protection for all licensed pipelines in the Northern Territory.  Individuals or companies trespassing on the pipeline easement or interfering with pipeline facilities are liable to prosecution under the Act, with severe penalties.
The Act prohibits any action within 200 metres of a gas pipeline that could damage the pipeline except with NT Gas consent.
Typical activities entirely prohibited on the pipeline easements:

• Horizontal boring
• Vertical boring and drilling
• Driving of posts, stakes etc (other than for fencing which may be approved by NT Gas in some circumstances)
• Construction or erection of structures including poles, towers, concrete slabs, buildings etc
• Blasting and seismic vibration within 64 metres.

Typical activities permitted only with written consent from NT Gas:

• Surface disturbances of any kind, including depositing of fill
• Excavation, trenching, ripping etc
• Installation of buried utilities and services
• Erection of fencing across easement
• Erection of power lines across easement (without poles or structures on the easement)
• Construction or alteration of roads, tracks and drains
• Heavy vehicular traffic
• Temporary flooding
• Blasting within 200 metres
• Permanent flooding.

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Dial 1100 Before You Dig

NT Gas is a member of the Dial Before You Dig service (DBYD). Anyone intending to work on or near a pipeline should utilise the DBYD service and call at least three days before digging to find the exact location of pipelines and other utility installations.  Alternatively, contact NT Gas directly for work to be approved.

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Think You've Hit or Damaged a Pipeline?

Follow these steps:

1. Stop Activity
Natural gas can easily be ignited by motorised equipment.  If you suspect you have hit or damaged one of our pipelines, immediately shut off any machinery or electrical equipment you are using as they can cause a source of ignition.  Tools made of steel can also create a spark, so put them down carefully.  If a gas leak has ignited, do not attempt to extinguish the flame.  A controlled gas fire is safer than an unburned gas cloud.

2.Evacuate the Area
Clear the area of personnel, moving upwind of the emergency site.

3. Assess the Situation
From a safe distance, note the precise nature and location of the emergency, including any injuries or property damage.  For example: Can you hear gas leaking?  Is there a fire?  Are sections of the pipe above ground?  Can you see pieces of coloured pipe coating?

4. Report the Emergency
Call NT Gas' Emergency line on 1800 019 112.  NT Gas will mobilise an emergency crew and coordinate with fire, police, ambulance etc.  NT Gas should be your first and only contact point.

5. Stay a Safe Distance Away
Your health and safety and the health and safety of others is our primary concern.  NT Gas personnel are trained to investigate and control any pipeline emergency.  We also have the correct equipment to perform repairs safely.  You can provide valuable assistance by meeting us at a safe location to tell us more about the situation.

6. Do Not Attempt to Close any Valves
Many of the valves will automatically close, shutting off the flow of gas. Other valves may need to be closed manually by trained NT Gas personnel.
Do not fail to report pipeline damage, no matter how small, no matter what the cause.  Lives may be at stake.

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Suspect a Pipeline Leak?

Gas leaks rarely occur on the pipeline. However, there are signs that indicate a possible gas leak:

• Areas of dead vegetation in the easement area.
• Bubbles appearing in still water.
• A build-up of frost on the ground.
• Loud whistling sound.
• Offensive smell of odorant which is injected into the gas.

If you suspect a leak

• Move at least 700 metres upwind from the suspected leak, warning others to leave the area immediately.
• Do not use your car or any equipment that could be a potential ignition source, even a mobile phone.
• Extinguish all fires or smoking materials and other sources of ignition.
• Call NT Gas' Emergency number on 1800 019 112. Our operations personnel will respond immediately.

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Emergency Response

NT Gas invests substantial resources in ensuring the integrity of our natural gas pipelines and facilities. We believe that the best emergency response system begins with prevention and continuous monitoring. However, in the event of an emergency, our priority is to ensure public safety, minimise the effects on the community, environment and safeguard our facilities.
 
At NT Gas, we ensure that experienced operative and supervisory staff are available at all times to respond to any reported emergency event. We have dedicated mobilised emergency response equipment in a state of readiness for pipeline repair works. We liaise closely with emergency response personnel to implement well-defined and extensively tested response procedures. These response plans have been developed to prepare our personnel and local emergency response crews to effectively handle pipeline emergency situations and ensure the safety of the public.

As part of our risk management approach, NT Gas has in place awareness programs where we will regularly inform emergency services of what they can expect from us and how to jointly coordinate a response. We promote public awareness of the pipeline and regularly contact landowners, relevant third parties and local community groups.

If you require any further information concerning our emergency response procedures or pipeline safety, please contact us.

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