Working with GGT
The pipeline owners and operator are committed to the safe operation of the pipeline.
The highest risk to the pipeline - and to the public - is damage by people who are unfamiliar with the requirements for safe work around the pipeline.
The pipeline is constructed within a 30 metre wide easement, marked by warning signs, as required by the pipeline licence. No work may take place on the easement without approval, as unauthorised work could jeopardise the safety of the pipeline and those working near it. Severe penalties apply to any person damaging the pipeline.
The pipeline is clearly marked with pipeline warning signs. These signs indicate the approximate location of the pipeline and therefore APA should be contacted to locate and mark the pipeline accurately. The pipeline warning signs also have a toll free phone number, 1800 151 016, on them that should be used in the case of an emergency.
Never assume that you know exactly where the pipeline is located. Warning signs only provide a general location of the pipeline.
Written approval is required before conducting any works in the vicinity of the pipeline or its associated laterals. Some of the works requiring written approval are:
- Blasting
- Building
- Drainage work
- Excavation, trenching or ripping
- Fencing
- Placing stakes or pipes in the ground
- Laying other pipes or cables
- Operating heavy machinery
- Planting
- Removing or increasing earth cover
- Working on other pipes or cables
- Underground boring
- Constructing and maintaining tracks or roads
- Seismic activities
- Dumping of waste
- Dumping or draining of chemicals
- Sinking wells or bores
- Erection of power lines
- Flooding and water inundation
If you are not sure whether your proposed works require GGT’s written approval, contact GGT.
What you need to do
- Contact APA at the contact point listed below at least 2 working days prior to conducting any work in the vicinity of the pipeline.
- Provide a clear location and description of the proposed works.
- Do not conduct the work until you have received written approval. This usually takes 2 working days.
- Read through the conditions of the approval to ensure you understand them.
- Accept the conditions by signing the approval letter and returning a copy of the letter.
- Conduct work in accordance with the written approval. In some cases this will require an APA representative to be on site during the work to ensure the work is carried out in an appropriate manner.
The locating of the pipeline and issue of all approvals is a
TOTALLY FREE SERVICE provided for your safety.
In the case of an emergency please phone 1800 151 016.
The steps below should be followed in the event of an emergency situation:
- Clear the area of personnel, moving at least 100m and upwind of the emergency site.
- In the event of a gas leak that has not ignited, shut off all vehicles, equipment, and other sources of ignition - including radios and mobile phones. Leaking gas may accumulate and form an explosive gas cloud. Do not start any vehicles or equipment in the vicinity of the leak.
- DO NOT attempt to extinguish the flame if a gas leak has ignited.
- DO NOT attempt to ignite a suspected gas leak/cloud.
- Note the precise nature and location of the emergency, including any injuries or property damage.
- Report the emergency immediately.
- Seek medical treatment for injured persons if emergency medical services are not required.