Important updates to petroleum industry code of practice | Resources Safety & Health Queensland
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Petroleum & Gas Inspectorate | Alert | No.118 V 1 | 14 November 2024

Important updates to petroleum industry code of practice

Summary

  • There have been changes to the APGA Code of Practice – Upstream Polyethylene Gathering Networks – CSG Industry
  • A new version is now available on the Australian Pipelines and Gas Association (APGA) website
  • There will be a six-month transition before it is enforced.

Issue Explained

Key stakeholders of the petroleum industry have undertaken a significant review of the APGA Code of Practice – Upstream Polyethylene Gathering Networks – CSG Industry (Code of Practice) and version 6.0 is now available on the APGA website.

The Code of Practice is prescribed as a safety requirement in section 67 of the Petroleum and Gas (Safety) Regulations 2018 and covers the design, construction, operation, maintenance and abandonment of the petroleum gathering system.

The Code of Practice is also used as a preferred standard for several biogas and landfill sites in Queensland.

Learnings

The significant changes that have been included into version 6.0 of the code include the following:

  1. A new section on acceptable pipe surface damage. This will be supported by a new Companion Paper which will include photos / diagrams.
  2. Minimum separation distances of pipes re-written. Focus made on compaction under pipe haunches. Emphasis placed on ‘Approval by Operator’ or ‘SMS’.
  3. Pipe external load section revised. Alternative references provided for loading calculations.
  4. Clarification of ‘Open Path Design’, permitting where impact of hydraulic head during blockages to be neglected. The potential result is significant reduction in wall thickness.
  5. Increased the range of options to confirm integrity of Golden Welds.
  6. Introduced energy in 8 pipe diameters of pipe as per latest version of ASME PCC-2. In addition, introduced alternative reference to calculating projectile distances (using AS/NZS 2885.5).
  7. Emphasis placed on safe purging methods, as a response to industry learnings.
  8. Review and consolidation of key document review periods (i.e. periods between SMS, Integrity Management Plan, and Emergency Response Plan etc).

The Code of Practice is prescribed as a safety requirement. Section 6 of the Petroleum and Gas (Safety) Regulations 2018 allows for a six-month transition period for a new version of a safety requirement before it is enforced.

However, any operator can use the new version of the Code of Practice once it is published.

Key stakeholders in the Petroleum and Gas industry responsible for the design, construction, operation, maintenance and abandonment of a petroleum gathering system should obtain a copy of the latest version of the Code of Practice and implement this code into their safety management system.

Investigations are ongoing and further information may be published as it becomes available. The information in this publication is what is known at the time of writing.

We issue Safety Notices to draw attention to the occurrence of a serious incident, raise awareness of risks, and prompt assessment of your existing controls.

References and further information

APGA Code of Practice – Upstream Polyethylene gathering networks – CSG industry

Authorised by Shoena Messner - Chief Inspector – Petroleum & Gas

Contact:

Issued by Resources Safety & Health Queensland

Safety: This information is a guide only and is issued to promote safety through experience. It is not to be taken as a statement of law and must not be construed to waive or modify any legal obligation.

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