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WORKING WITH GAS<br />
In March 2009 two plumbing apprentices<br />
were seriously injured while purging<br />
the main (natural gas) supply line to a<br />
residential tower. Flammable gases from<br />
the supply line ignited when released into<br />
a plant room of the residential tower block,<br />
which contained multiple ignition sources.<br />
While an investigation is still underway to establish<br />
the cause, the incident serves as an important<br />
reminder of the potentially catastrophic results of<br />
the uncontrolled release of fl ammable gas within a<br />
building.<br />
It is critical to follow standard control measures with<br />
relation to the purging of large volume installations<br />
of fuel gas. It is also important to consider the size<br />
(both the diameter and length) of the installation,<br />
the pressure of the gas supply and the type of gas<br />
(heavier or lighter than air).<br />
The purge outlet should be at least six metres<br />
away from any ignition source and well clear of any<br />
opening into a building. The purge should not be<br />
commenced until an area has been defi ned, made<br />
safe and cleared of all ignition sources including<br />
naked fl ames, pilot lights and electrical switchgear.<br />
Where the network operator permits other persons<br />
to purge a service pipe, the purge is to be carried<br />
out in accordance with the network operator’s<br />
procedures.<br />
Is the environment surrounding the installation likely<br />
to be impacted? Consider also the need for an inert<br />
gas purge and the best method of verifying that the<br />
purge is complete. Perhaps most important is the<br />
requirement for personnel with adequate experience<br />
and responsibility carry out purging operations.<br />
Contact Dial Before You Dig to obtain plans of<br />
mains in the street. Identify the location of the<br />
mains to determine if they are within the area of<br />
your planned work. Use a pipe locator if available or<br />
contact a third party pipe locating service provider.<br />
If working inside a property, identify that the<br />
house/dwelling is connected to gas by visually<br />
checking for a gas meter, valve, exposed pipe etc.<br />
or interviewing the property owner and if required,<br />
contact your local gas authority to arrange for a<br />
temporary disconnection.<br />
If excavating or boring near or over the main, NEVER<br />
use machinery – always dig carefully by hand and<br />
expose pipes to ensure adequate clearance between<br />
your activity/pipe/conduit and the gas main.<br />
This information is similar to that of the Plumbing<br />
Industry Guide to Site Safety 2012. Pro-Visual<br />
Publishing produces guides for over 40 different<br />
industries including, Electrical, HVAC&R,<br />
Construction and Public Works. Additional copies<br />
are available and all guides are produced and<br />
distributed without cost.<br />
For further information about safety,<br />
order your copy of the Plumbing<br />
Industry Guide to Safety from Pro-Visual<br />
Publishing on (02) 8272 2611 or email<br />
enquiries@provisual.com.au<br />
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WORK SAFETY<br />
3<br />
A STRONG FINISH<br />
You’ll go from strength to<br />
strength when choosing<br />
Raymor’s reliable, awardwinning<br />
products. Installing<br />
Raymor will reflect well<br />
To find your nearest<br />
Raymor stockist phone<br />
1300 658 277 or visit<br />
www.raymor.com.au<br />
TM<br />
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� Flexible multi-layer<br />
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� High quality DR brass fittings<br />
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CONTACT IPLEX ON 1318 40<br />
www.iplex.com.au<br />
Iplex Pipelines Australia Pty Ltd ABN 56 079 613 308
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