Introduction: The high-pressure natural gas transmission system is a complex combination of buried pipelines and above-ground installations (AGIs), such as pressure reduction stations, compressor stations and terminals. These assets present potential major hazards, such as fire risk, in the unlikely event of accidental releases of gas, due to a range of causes.

Objectives:

Research into the enduring management of safety risks on pipelines and above ground installations. The project includes the implementation of the results via tools and methodologies that are aligned specifically to National Grid and Cadent’s needs but are also relevant to the UK gas industry, utilising the results of the international collaborations as appropriate.

Expected Benefits: Through collaboration with other gas transmission companies, National Grid and Cadent are able to demonstrate to the safety regulator, their customers and the general public, through their safety cases, that their knowledge of gas transmission hazards and risks is at the forefront of current thinking and therefore that their safety cases are credible and realistic. Such collaboration also allows National Grid and Cadent to participate in, and benefit from: the ongoing development of international best practice in risk management and shared learning from incidents.