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shaky  
#1 Posted : 26 October 2017 12:33:07(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
shaky

A member of the public was having some refurbishment work undertaken at their property, the contractor cut through a buried live gas pipe in a concrete floor in the living room. 

Is this incident RIDDOR reportable as a dangerous occurence?

query:- was the contractor at risk (potential explosion) due to cutting through a buried gas pipe as the contractor was exposed to gas?

no injuries to contractor, nor hospital treatmnet

your comments will be appreciated

A Kurdziel  
#2 Posted : 26 October 2017 13:03:10(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
A Kurdziel

Does it depend on how much gas was released?

Oliverp1  
#3 Posted : 26 October 2017 13:09:38(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Oliverp1

"Release of flammable liquids and gases

  • 26 The sudden, unintentional and uncontrolled release:
    1. inside a building
      1. of 100 kilograms or more of a flammable liquid;
      2. of 10 kilograms or more of a flammable liquid at a temperature above its normal boiling point;
      3. of 10 kilograms or more of a flammable gas; or
    2. in the open air, of 500 kilograms or more of a flammable liquid or gas.

Pipelines or pipeline works

  • 21 In relation to a pipeline or pipeline works:
    1. any damage to, accidental or uncontrolled release from or inrush of anything into a pipeline;"

Thats what the HSE says

A gas release would cause a risk of explosion with a number of ignition sources that could potentially be in a living room that wasnt prepared for a gas release.

Sweep  
#4 Posted : 26 October 2017 15:39:39(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Sweep

This isn’t entirely straightforward. 

The incident may be reportable under RIDOOR and the Gas Safety Management Regulations dependent on the estimated quantities released. 

The responsible person – if this was on the highway then the responsible person with the duty of calculating the estimated release and reporting would be the asset owner. 

In the case of a domestic premise the asset owner may be the landlord/tenant or house owner dependent on contract.  I know this may sound a little strange but is common practice. 

Therefore it would be worthwhile for the contractor to take advice from the asset owner or at least whoever is tasked with making the repair.  Presumably the bill is payed to an organization on behalf of the gas transporter.  This would probably be the best starting point. 

PM me and happy to have a chat. 

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