Recognising and responding to gas leaks
Landowners, contractors and local businesses need to be aware of risks associated with high-pressure pipelines, how to recognise a potential gas leak, and what to do if one is detected.
TAP operates with an absolute focus on quality, health, safety and the environment, and in line with world-class preparedness standards. To that effect, TAP takes a proactive approach and uses the most up-to-date technology to support the inspection, monitoring and maintenance of its systems.
TAP’s control centre in Italy monitors the whole transportation system for indicators such as pressure, power supply, temperature and gas flow, while its SCADA system provides real-time information, 365 days a year, through fibre optic cable.
Furthermore, a comprehensive emergency training programme and plan is in place for each site, in each host country.
Still, in the event of significant damage to a high-pressure gas pipeline, a leak or rupture could occur. This may lead to the pressurised release of natural gas, which, in turn, could involve certain hazards, including:
- formation of crater at the point of failure
- debris being ejected from the crater
- overpressure pulse
- jet of high-velocity gas
- displacement of oxygen, which can cause asphyxiation
Natural gas is highly flammable and can be lit by ignition sources, such as heat, sparks, lighting, etc. In the extremely scenario that a potential leak is not immediately detected and contained by TAP’s operations and response teams and the escaping gas ignites, it could cause a fire.
How to recognise a pipeline leak
A natural gas leak can be detected by sight, sound or smell.
- Sight: fire emitted from or on the ground, discoloured vegetation, bubbling water, dry cracked soil, steam-like cloud, debris ejected from a hole in the ground or mechanical damage on the pipeline.
- Sound: a loud hissing, whistling or roaring sound.
- Smell: dry natural gas transported by TAP is odourless. So, if there is a “rotten eggs” smell in the air, then the leak is probably from a local distribution gas company nearby.
Responding to a pipeline leak
If a pipeline leak is suspected, it’s essential that any actions undertaken, such as during an emergency response (either by emergency services, pipeline operator or subcontractors), will ensure that NO potential ignition sources are introduced into the area around the release, as the natural gas is highly flammable.
In the event of an incident, a minimum initial evacuation distance should be kept: more than 250 meters for ignited and approximately 550 meters for unignited leak. This distance should be observed at all times, until a competent TAP expert is present on site to confirm the leak size and pressure.
What to DO if a leak is suspected
- LEAVE the area immediately on foot.
- MOVE AWAY from the affected pipeline, at a safe distance (550+ meters) and upwind (against the direction of the wind).
- ENSURE that no potential sources of ignition are used in the area, including mobile phones, radio equipment, cigarettes, lighters, matches, and motor vehicles.
- ALERT people in the vicinity and try to get them away from the area.
- When you are at a safe distance, CALL TAP’s emergency numbers
What NOT to do if a leak is suspected
- DO NOT try to locate the source of the leak.
- DO NOT start vehicles or machinery in the area.
- DO NOT cause any open flame or other potential source of ignition, such as an electrical power supply, light a match, smoke, etc.
- DO NOT move inside the minimum evacuation distance (more than 250 meters for ignited and at least 550 meters for unignited leak).
- DO NOT operate phones or electrical devices, unless you are at a safe distance.
- DO NOT attempt to extinguish a natural gas fire. Wait for the fire brigade and other trained emergency professionals.
- DO NOT stand downwind of the leak (i.e. in the direction in which the wind is blowing).
Working with local emergency services
Upon notification of a potential incident or leak, TAP will immediately dispatch trained personnel to isolate the pipeline, stop the leak, and assist public and emergency officials.
TAP is working closely with local emergency response services in its host countries. As part of this collaboration, local officials conduct periodic emergency exercises to help prevent incidents and ensure they are prepared for emergencies.
