Earthworks in gas pipeline protection zones.

Due to the large volume of excavation work carried out by organizations and private individuals, the protection zones of gas pipelines, established by the Resolution of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus dated 06.11.2007 No. 1474 "On the procedure for establishing protection zones of gas distribution system facilities, their sizes and the regime of their use" (hereinafter referred to as the Regulation), are increasingly being violated during excavation work.  

The Vitebsk Regional Inspectorate of Gosgortechnadzor reminds: for the safe conduct of excavation work in accordance with the Regulation, you must know and comply with the following:

- Carrying out repair, construction, and excavation work without a permit for excavation and permission from the gas supply organization for the right to carry out repair, construction, and excavation work (hereinafter referred to as the Permit) is not allowed.

- Prior to commencing work, it is mandatory to summon a representative of the gas supply organization!!  

- The permit must be kept at the site. Only the person who obtained the permit is authorized to carry out work under it.

- It is prohibited to transfer this permit to other individuals or organizations (including subcontractors and general contractors).

- Work must be strictly conducted within the zone (area) specified in the permit.

- The basis for issuing permits is project documentation, approved in the established manner, developed considering the requirements of construction, and, if necessary, other norms and rules regulating such work, as well as an application (letter) for obtaining the permit.

- When issuing permits to construction organizations (legal entities), the supervisor of the work is appointed from among the specialists by order of the head of the enterprise before the commencement of work.

-Upon discovery of gas pipelines and structures not indicated in the design documentation at the site of repair, construction, and excavation work, operations must be suspended, measures taken to ensure their safety, and a representative of the gas supply organization summoned to the work site.

-In case of damage to a gas pipeline, it is necessary to:

immediately cease work, evacuate personnel from the excavation pit,

secure the accident site, preventing unauthorized persons and open flames, sparks (when using electrical equipment or devices, etc.), and report this to the emergency service of the gas supply organization by phone 104.

In case of detection of unauthorized repair, construction, or excavation work within the protection zone of gas distribution system facilities, as well as in cases of self-willed continuation of suspended work, the gas supply organization must take measures to suspend such work and inform the territorial body of state administration in the field of industrial safety (Gospromnadzor). In accordance with Article 18.40 (Violation of the rules for the protection of main pipelines and

(other pipelines) of the Code of the Republic of Belarus on Administrative Offences,  entails the imposition of a fine in the following amounts: on an individual from ten to forty basic units, on an individual entrepreneur – up to fifty basic units, on a legal entity – up to two hundred basic units.

Remember! By violating the current legislation when carrying out earthworks, you endanger yourself and others!

 

Vitebsk Regional Department of Gospromnadzor.