What is the role of the one-stop shop for pipeline network safety? Gesip explores this question in this article.
Although pipelines are the safest way to transport large quantities of hazardous materials, incidents still occur (in 2004 in Ghislenghien, Belgium, and in March 2020 in Vaux-le-Pénil).
These incidents have serious consequences and are primarily caused by external damage to the transmission pipeline; typically, construction work carried out near the facility is to blame.
Consequently, any construction project near utility infrastructure—whether the work involves trenching or not—requires precise knowledge of the location of these pipelines, as well as a thorough understanding of the soil and the environment. The risk of damage to utility infrastructure resulting from human error must, to the extent possible, be taken into account during both the design and operation phases.
The Role of the One-Stop Shop for Pipeline Network Safety
Regulations strictly govern work carried out near pipelines used to transport hazardous materials. Compliance with the requirements of Sections L. 554-1 through L. 554-39 and sections R. 554-1 through R. 555-61 of the Environmental Code and their implementing decrees, in particular the decree of February 15, 2012. These articles provide a general framework for the safety of work carried out near utility networks.
Consulting the one-stop shop
The one-stop shop provides a comprehensive list of contact information for network operators in France, as well as a summary map of the networks.
It allows project owners and contractors to instantly and free of charge:
- the list of network operators affected by the upcoming project;
- the approximate locations of these networks.
Its consultation is therefore required by regulation and allows for the following:
- to the Work Project Statements (WPS);
- to the Notices of Intent to Commence Work (DICT).
As a result, the one-stop shop streamlines communication between the project owner, the project manager, and outside contractors. The launch of an online service in 2011 has significantly streamlined this process.
Notifications of Work Near Utility Networks (DT-DICT)
To prevent damage to underground, overhead, or underwater utility lines, any planned work in the vicinity must be reported to the operators of those utility lines.
After consulting the “Networks and Pipelines” online service, which lists the relevant operators, the project owner and the contractor notify the affected operators of their proposed construction project. These steps must be completed before issuing the request for proposals.
More specifically, the DT must be sent by the project owner, and the DICT must be sent by the contractor to each of the relevant network operators. In return, the network operator must provide the best available maps of its network and issue appropriate safety instructions; it must also progressively improve the mapping of its networks.
One-Stop Shop and Authorization for Work Near Utility Networks
The Environmental Code also sets forth requirements regarding employee training. The AIPR, or Authorization for Work Near Utility Lines, must therefore be issued by the employer to ensure the level of knowledge and skills of personnel, whether they are operators, supervisors, or designers. The law defines several categories of personnel who must hold an AIPR based on their role.
The designers
These are employees or staff members of the project owner or project manager who are involved in the preparation or supervision of construction projects. The project owner or project manager must ensure that at least one of these employees holds an AIPR “designer” certification.
The supervisors
This refers to employees of the contractor involved in the preparation or execution of the work as site managers or foremen. The contractor must ensure that at least one of these employees holds an AIPR “supervisory” certification.
Operators
All employees working in close proximity to overhead or underground power lines must hold an AIPR “operator” certification.
The GS CANA training course offered by Gesip for pipeline network safety training
Gesip, a community of experts with 70 years of experience, works to improve industrial safety by sharing knowledge and monitoring regulations. To this end, Gesip has developed expertise and skills in the prevention of risks associated with pipelines used to transport hazardous materials, which it shares through its GS CANA training courses.
This training course is intended for industry professionals who hold crisis management positions at a transportation company or pipeline operator.
This training program has several skill-building objectives:
- Know how to implement a Safety and Response Plan (SRP),
- Practice setting up the Operational Command Post (PCEx),
- Know how to use the tools of a Safety and Response Plan (SRP) and the Operational Command Post (OCP),
- Knowing how to respond in the event of a pipeline incident involving any type of fluid (flammable liquids, gases, chemicals),
- Understand the challenges of effective communication and recognize the pitfalls to avoid.
