Safe Working

UKOPA offers guidance on safe practices for working near high-pressure pipelines. We provide resources on risk assessment, emergency planning, and regulatory compliance, supporting operators and stakeholders in maintaining pipeline safety and integrity.

Useful information

What to do in a emergency

If as a result of the activities you uncover ground or come into contact with a pipeline then:

  • Shut down all working machinery.
  • Remove all sources of ignition.
  • Remove everyone from the immediate are of the pipeline and move to a safer area.
  • If the pipeline is leaking dial 999 and inform police and emergency services. Do not attempt to seal a leaking pipeline.
  • If the leak is burning, do not attempt to extinguish the fire.
  • Contact the pipeline operator’s emergency telephone number. This is can be obtained either from on a nearby pipeline marker post, on all communications you will have had from the pipeline operator or on the documentation provided to you by the pipeline operator prior to you commencing work.
  • Follow the advice provided by the pipeline operator and then let them make the situation safe.

Working Safely Course

Throughout the UK there are thousands of kilometres of buried high pressure pipelines that most people are not even aware of. It is imperative that anyone who may work near these pipelines, is aware of the risks and how to work safely in the vicinity. This course is designed to provide you with the information necessary to work safely near high pressure pipelines and will provide you with a certificate of completion.

Take the Course

The do’s and don’ts of working near a pipeline.

Do

  • Be observant and report any suspicious activities taking place near to pipelines
  • Contact the pipeline operator in advance of any work in the vicinity of the pipeline
  • Tell the pipeline operator if the line is not clearly marked or you are unsure
  • Arrange for a free site meeting in advance of the work
  • Give the pipeline operator 7 day’s notice to arrange supervision
  • Tell all contractors and staff about the pipeline
  • Work closely with the pipeline operator to ensure work can be completed in total safety
  • Call your pipeline operator if you are unsure

Don't

  • Assume all will be okay digging or drilling near to pipelines
  • Clean out ditches with mechanical diggers before consulting your pipeline operator
  • Use any heavy machinery in close proximity to the pipeline without consulting your pipeline operator first
  • Erect fencing across the pipeline without consulting your pipeline operator first
  • Install or repair land drainage networks without letting your pipeline operator know
  • Carry out any excavation works near to the pipeline without first contacting your pipeline operator

Emergency Contacts

  • bpa

    Emergency Number

    0800 585 387

  • cadent

    Emergency Number

    0800 111 999

  • cats

    Emergency Number

    01642 546 404

  • eon

    Emergency Number

    0800 111 999

  • EP Langage

    Emergency Number

    0800 371 726

  • Energy for generations

    Emergency Number

    0800 032 8210

  • Essar

    Emergency Number

    0800 389 9607

  • esso

    Emergency Number

    02380 891 541

  • exolum

    Emergency Number

    01189 712 021

  • GNI

    Emergency Number Northern Ireland

    0800 085 8851

  • GNI

    Emergency Number Scotland

    0800 317 484

  • INEOS

    Emergency Number

    0800 374 185

  • INEOS FPS

    Emergency Number

    0800 281 279

  • Mainline Pipelines

    Emergency Number

    0800 756 0804

  • National Gas Transmission

    Emergency Number

    0800 111 999

  • Northern Gas Networks

    Emergency Number

    0800 111 999

  • Penspen

    Emergency Number

    01244 665 989

  • Perenco

    Emergency Number

    01929 476 420

  • Petroineos

    Emergency Number

    0800 374 185

  • Suluu-sabic

    Emergency Number

    0800 318 105

  • Shell

    Emergency Number NSP

    01779 872 240

  • Shell

    Emergency Number NWEP/RSEP

    0800 220 959

  • SGN

    Emergency Number

    0800 111 999

  • uniper

    Emergency Number

    0800 3894 795

  • Wales West Utilities

    Emergency Number

    0800 111 999

Working Safely Video

Here is a short video compiled by UKOPA to provide advice and information to contractors or others who are planning to operate or undertake activities near to buried pipelines.

Watch the video
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