No consent is required but operators must produce and maintain a Major Accident Prevention Document as outlined below.

No particular consent is required, however the Pipeline Safety Regulations (PSR) do require operators to create and maintain emergency procedures, detailing the appropriate organisation, arrangements and procedures for different emergencies. These procedures should be prepared in consultation with relevant external bodies (e.g. emergency services and local authorities).

Operators of Major Accident Hazard Pipelines must prepare a Major Accident Prevention Document (MAPD) as defined by Regulation 23 which must demonstrate that:

1. All hazards relating to the pipeline with the potential to cause a major accident have been identified.
2. The risks arising from these hazards have been evaluated.
3. The Safety Management System (SMS) is adequate.
4. That adequate arrangements have been established for undertaking of audits and reports.

The Safety Management System should be in place throughout the lifecycle of the pipeline from concept design through to decommissioning. It must ensure that:

• Systems are in place for coordination of personnel involved in safety.
• Operating procedures for normal, abnormal and non-routine operations are in place
• Communication of procedures through operating manuals, etc., is adequate.
• Procedures are in place to monitor the safety performance of contractors.
• Safety training is available to all relevant personnel.
• Major accident hazards associated with the pipeline are systematically evaluated and this information fed into the SMS and MAPD.
• Procedures are in place for the planning of modifications to be made to the pipeline.

Operators provisions for dealing with accidents involving a pipeline, including where applicable the Major Accident Prevention Document, must be approved by the Health and Safety Executive, (HSE).

Operators of Major Accident Hazard Pipelines must notify the Health and Safety Executive:

• At least 6 months prior to the commencement of construction.
• At least 14 days before the conveyance of fluid in the pipeline.

Operators of Major Accident Hazard Pipelines must notify the HSE where changes occur in the:

• Route or position of the pipeline.
• Service conditions of the pipeline.
• Pipeline materials and equipment.

• Any uncontrolled or accidental release from a pipeline has the potential to cause the death of, major injury or damage to the health of any person.
• It results in the pipeline being shut down for more than 24 hours.
• Any incident associated with the sudden, uncontrolled release of specified quantities of flammable substances.

• Date and time of the accident or dangerous occurrence.
• Location of accident or dangerous occurrence.
• Circumstances in which the accident or dangerous occurrence occurred.
• Date on which the event was reported to the HSE.
• Method by which the event was reported.
• Pipeline designation.
• Pipeline duty (contents).
• Initial and potential size of leak.
• Details of how the pipeline has been made safe.

This information should be followed up as soon as possible with a completed F2508 and/or F2508A (Forms can be found on the RIDDOR website) within 24 hours of the incident.