MANAGEMENT PROCEDURE FOR SAFE CONTROL OF OPERATIONS - THE CONTROL OF NON-ROUTINE GAS SUPPLY OPERATIONS

Transcription

1 MANAGEMENT PROCEDURE FOR SAFE CONTROL OF OPERATIONS - THE CONTROL OF NON-ROUTINE GAS SUPPLY OPERATIONS Policy Ref: Title: Author: Job title: GDN/PM/SCO/4 Management Procedure for Safe Control of Operations - The Control of Non-Routine Gas Supply Operations Julian Yaxley Policy Manager Issue Date: April 2015 Owner: Ian Aldridge GDN/PM/SCO/4

2 GDN/PM/SCO/4 2 of 52 Version Control Change record Change Date Changes made Author February 2015 Changes to document detailed in Appendix F Julian Yaxley Reviewers Name Position Date Andy Turner Policy Engineer September 2014 Derfel Jones Network Controller September 2014 Robert Gregory Network Controller September 2014 Colin Steer Authorising Engineer, West Midlands, CMAC September 2014 Andy Whayman Skill and Competence Specialist ER&R September 2014 Laurence McGurk Gas Safety Manager September 2014 Paul Reed Lead Development Specialist September 2014 Jordan Rowbottom I & C Asset Integrity Manager September 2014 Dominic Cummings Iain Foster David Tindall Engineering Policy Manager, Scotia Gas Networks Distribution Strategy and Standards Manager, Northern Gas Networks Process Safety, Standards and assurance Manager, Wales and the West Gas Network December 2014 December 2014 December 2014 Kate Elleman Network Manager West Midlands January 2015 Brief history Management Approval See Appendix E & F Name Ian Aldridge Position Engineering Policy Manager UKD Implementation Implementation timescales Approved Published April 2015 Fully Implemented December 2015

3 GDN/PM/SCO/4 3 of 52 Contents Version Control... 2 Contents... 3 Document Summary Requirement For Formal Written Procedure When to use a Non-Routine Operational Procedure Preparation of Non-Routine Operational Procedures Co-ordination and communication with other parties Appointment of Competent Person Authorisation Scheduling of Works Authorising Engineer s conflict check Examination and authorisation Amendments to authorised non-routine operational procedures Permitry authorised outside normal working hours Clearance to Proceed Authority for Clearance to Proceed Notification period to obtain clearance to proceed Notification periods for clearance by GNCC/DNCC Administration requirements for forwarding non-routine operational procedures to the Network Controller/Meter Operations Controller Issue of clearance to proceed Chart 1 - Selection of Non Routine or Routine Operational Procedures Table 1 The Application for permitry in relation to Hot Works activities.. 14 Flowchart 1 Non-Routine Operational Procedures Notification of Start/End of Works & Cancellation or Deferment Start/end of works Cancellations, deferments and extensions Permits to Work Change of Authorising Engineer or Competent Person Change to Authorising Engineer Change to Competent Person Hand over (Delegated Authority) Deviations from Non-Routine Operational Procedures Deviations prior to and after starting non-routine operational procedures... 20

4 GDN/PM/SCO/4 4 of Deviations from Engineering Procedures Prior to Starting Non-Routine Operational Procedures Briefing of non-routine operational procedures Inconsistency between non-routine operational procedure and on-site conditions Competent Persons acknowledgement of proposed operation Checklist Execution of Non-Routine Operational Procedures Attendance of Competent Person on site Changes of circumstances during the non-routine operational procedure Work involving notification to GNCC and/or DNCC Works Associated with the Control of Gas Operations Procedures that Require Notification to GNCC and DNCC Procedures Draft Procedures Final Procedures Procedures Affecting the National Transmission System (NTS) Procedures Affecting the Local Transmission System (LTS) Operations for which DNCC should be consulted for comment and approval at the draft stage Operations with minimum impact on DNCC, and does not require DNCC approval Operations that have no impact on DNCC Completion General Appendix A Non routine operational procedure form Appendix A1 - Instructions for completing a non-routine operational procedure37 Appendix B - Notification periods for non-routine gas supply operations Appendix C - Guidance for the preparation of contingency plans Appendix D Graphical symbols Appendix E - Brief history Appendix F Document changes End note... 52

5 GDN/PM/SCO/4 5 of 52 Document Summary Purpose This management procedure was approved by the Engineering Policy Manager, in for use throughout National Grid Gas Users should ensure that they are in possession of the latest edition and related bulletins by referring to the document library of Safety and Engineering documents available on the company Infonet. Compliance with this safety and engineering document does not confer immunity from prosecution for breach of statutory or other legal obligations. Disclaimer This safety and engineering document is provided for use by National Grid Gas and such of its contractors as are obliged by the terms and conditions of their contracts to comply with this document. Where this document is used by any other party it is the responsibility of that party to ensure that this document is correctly applied. Mandatory and Non-Mandatory requirements In this document: Shall: indicates a mandatory requirement (Must: is equivalent of shall in some networks) Should: indicates best practice and is the preferred option. If an alternative method is used then a suitable and sufficient risk assessment shall be completed to show that the alternative method delivers the same, or better, level of protection Background This document is part of a suite of Management Procedures relating to the Safe Control of Operations that are listed within Section 2 of GDN/PM/SCO/1. Note This document shall be applied throughout the gas industry on Distribution Networks and certain types of Meter Installations. National Grid Gas Transmission (which includes compressor stations and terminals) have their own specific suite of Safe Control of Operations documents (T/PM/SCO/91, 92 & 94). The document reference i.e. GDN/PM/SCO/4 ensures all stakeholders are aware that this document is universal for all work on the Distribution Networks. Copyright 2015 National Grid Gas - All Rights Reserved

6 GDN/PM/SCO/4 6 of Requirement For Formal Written Procedure A non-routine operational procedure is a formal written document used to control complex operations and is predominantly, but not exclusively, associated with ensuring the security of the gas supply system for the medium, intermediate and high pressure systems as well as the low pressure system on pipe diameters above 12 /300 mm (metallic) /355 mm (PE). The procedure specifies how the work is to be carried out; the personnel, location, mains, timing, and required notifications to ensure that there is no conflict with other operations. The documentation also describes the preparatory works, tools, equipment and materials required, the gas supply position at the start and on completion of the operation and identifies the contingency arrangements in the event of an emergency. Other than following an uncontrolled event i.e. where immediate action is required to prevent imminent danger to life or property, non-routine operations shall only be carried out with a formal written procedure as identified below. The process flowchart for non-routine operational procedures is shown on pages 16 & When to use a Non-Routine Operational Procedure A Selection Chart (Chart 1) has been developed to assist permitry authors and Authorising Engineers identify and select the appropriate routine or non-routine operational procedure on the basis of the activity being performed. In all cases Authorising Engineers shall assure themselves that the correct operational procedure is being applied. Non-Routine operational procedures other than those listed in the chart may be applied whenever necessary, e.g. when pipeline investigation work may result in the necessity to generate a nonroutine operational procedure in order to complete the operation. 2. Preparation of Non-Routine Operational Procedures The Authorising Engineer shall ensure the safe design and planning of the proposed operation and that written procedures are prepared

7 GDN/PM/SCO/4 7 of 52 in accordance with Safe Control of Operations documentation. The template for the production of non-routine operational procedures is shown in Appendix A, together with detailed instructions for the completion of the sections and boxes within the procedure. It is preferable for the Competent Person appointed to supervise the operation to prepare the non-routine operational procedure, which provides a continuous involvement from conception to completion of the operation. The Authorising Engineer shall ensure that the originators of nonroutine operational procedures have the necessary skills and experience to generate the documentation. The originator of the non-routine operational procedure shall fully assess the implications of the proposed operation on the following: The need for Network Analysis Adjacent Distribution Networks Other Gas Transporters networks The requirements of the Gas National Control Centre (GNCC), and/or the Distribution Network Control Centre (DNCC) Metering Service companies or providers The need for Permits to Work Major supply points If YES is indicated on the front of the Non-Routine Operational Procedures to any of the above, then the additional approvals shall be obtained. (See also Section 12 for those procedures that require notification to GNCC and/or DNCC). Please refer to the flowchart in Appendix B for the minimum required timescales for the circulation of Non-Routine Operational Procedures and also the need for draft approval levels on certain types of procedure. These timescales can only be reduced as set out in GDN/PM/SCO/1.

8 GDN/PM/SCO/4 8 of Co-ordination and communication with other parties The Authorising Engineer or originator can liaise with the Network Controller at the planning stage of a non-routine operational procedure to ensure that relevant current information is obtained to enable correct planning of the proposed works Appointment of Competent Person The Authorising Engineer should determine which Competent Person is to be responsible for each non-routine operational procedure. 3. Authorisation The Authorising Engineer shall carry out a thorough and detailed examination of the proposed work detailed in the procedure, including all calculations i.e. purging, anchorage etc. Where a change to the normal gas flow is planned by flow stopping techniques, or valve closures, and a by-pass, whether temporary or permanent is to be constructed, appropriate checks shall be carried out at the planning stage to validate the network and confirm minimum pressure requirements and subsequently that the proposed work is acceptable. The procedure shall only be authorised when all appropriate approval signatories have had the opportunity to provide feedback and any subsequent amendments have been carried out. NOTE: The Responsible Engineer may require an additional Authorising Engineer (Mentor) to review a Non-Routine Operational Procedure. This may be dictated by the complexity of the operation, the experience (see GDN/PM/SCO/1) of the first Authorising Engineer or any other circumstance the Responsible Engineer may deem appropriate Scheduling of Works The Authorising Engineer shall be satisfied that the proposed start/end dates and times are realistic and achievable, to ensure that other proposed works on the network are not unduly affected. Incorrect dates and times have a knock on effect to all other stakeholders associated with the NRO and as a consequence any

9 GDN/PM/SCO/4 9 of 52 The Authorising Engineer is accountable for the authorised nonroutine operational procedure change shall be re-approved by all those involved. In addition any Network Analysis information obtained for such times can be seriously compromised if scheduled dates change Authorising Engineer s conflict check Authorising Engineers are responsible for conflict checking operations that they specifically authorise to ensure their own works do not conflict. The Network Controller will advise on any other registered works that may apply/conflict Examination and authorisation The Authorising Engineer shall carry out a thorough and detailed examination of the proposed non-routine operational procedure and then, as appropriate, authorise the procedure. Where necessary, comments shall be added to the documentation or returned to the originator for amendment and resubmission. The authorised procedure shall then be sent to the Network Controller and/or Meter Operations Controller as appropriate. This can be issued in paper or electronic format. If in electronic format this shall be sent via the Authorising Engineers personal company account complete with electronic signature inserted in relevant Authorisation box. The Authorising Engineer is accountable for the authorised nonroutine operational procedure 3.4. Amendments to authorised non-routine operational procedures Refer to Section 8 regarding requirements that allow amendments/deviations to non-routine operational procedures to be authorised Permitry authorised outside normal working hours In the event that a procedure requires checking for potential conflicting work outside of normal working hours, i.e. that is following an uncontrolled event and the immediate imminent danger has been averted, the Authorising Engineer shall liaise with appropriate Emergency Standby Engineers, Network Analysis, GNCC and/or, DNCC, etc., to satisfy them self that no other potential conflicting work is progressing.

10 GDN/PM/SCO/4 10 of 52 The Authorising Engineer shall notify the Network Controller of this action at the earliest opportunity and provide the details for the log. 4. Clearance to Proceed 4.1. Authority for Clearance to Proceed The Network Controller is responsible for providing the final Clearance to Proceed for the proposed work; this role can be delegated to another member of his/her staff with the Responsible Engineer s approval Notification period to obtain clearance to proceed The final version of the Non-Routine Operational Procedures should be sent to the Authorising Engineer (with all appropriate approvals) for authorisation then sent to the Network Controller a minimum of 5 working days prior to starting work (See section 4.3 below for notification requirements for procedures that need to be notified to GNCC and/or DNCC). NOTE: The 5 working days notification period may be reduced by agreement with the Network Controller in the event of an exceptional circumstance. The Authorising Engineer or originator shall liaise with the Network Controller and/or Meter Operations Controller to ensure that all persons affected by the work (e.g. other Gas Transporters, Meter Asset Managers, etc.) are notified and any conflicts identified/resolved in advance of the works and the opportunity to approve or supply relevant data (e.g. network analysis) has been provided Notification periods for clearance by GNCC/DNCC For those procedures that require notification to GNCC and/or DNCC there are additional administration requirements. These are outlined in Appendix B Administration requirements for forwarding non-routine operational procedures to the Network Controller/Meter Operations Controller The complete authorised non-routine operational procedure shall be forwarded to the Network Controller/Meter Operations Controller.

11 GDN/PM/SCO/4 11 of Issue of clearance to proceed The Network Controller/Meter Operations Controller shall issue a signed confirmation of clearance to proceed to the Authorising Engineer, which should include any relevant comments. Each Distribution Network shall determine the most appropriate methodology to agree this confirmation process, e.g. can be issued in paper or electronic format. If in electronic format this shall be sent via an account complete with electronic signature inserted in relevant Authorisation box. During the period whilst work is being undertaken as part of a procedure, the Authorising Engineer shall have sole operational responsibility for that section of the Network for which he/she has received clearance to proceed with the work within the requested operational time window. He/she may delegate this responsibility from time to time to another Authorising Engineer having the required competencies to authorise the procedure provided the Network Controller has been advised and the acceptability of such persons is confirmed, (e.g. to provide cover during periods of holidays, sick leave, etc. Refer to section 7.1).

12 GDN/PM/SCO/4 12 of 52 1 Chart 1 - Selection of Non Routine or Routine Operational Procedures ACTIVITY Squeeze off, valve closure, installation of top tees, encirclement fitting [including drilling] [1] 2 Bagging off inc. foam plug 3 Bagging off inc.foam plug 4 Iris Stop 5 Iris Stop 6 Flow Stop 7 Flow Stop 8 Stopple operation 9 Stopple operation Closure of Valve (see row 28 for valve closure under routine maintenance) Closure of Valve (see row 28 for valve closure under routine maintenance) 12 Encirclement fitting [including drilling] [1] [2] 13 Encirclement fitting [including drilling] [1] Main, Service or Pipeline Diameter Range Plastic up to and including 63mm or metallic up to and including 2 /50mm regardless of size of parent main - mains and services Metallic or PE greater than 2 /50mm/90mm up to and including 12 /300mm/355mm - main or service PE greater than 355mm or Metallic greater than 12 /300mm main or service Metallic greater than 3 /75mm up to and including 12 /300mm - main or service Metallic greater than 12 /300mm main or service Metallic greater than 2 /50mm up to and including 12 /300mm - main or service Metallic greater than 12 /300mm main or, service Greater than 2 /50mm up to and including 12 /300mm/355mm - main, service or pipeline Greater than 12 /300mm main, service or pipeline Metallic greater than 2 /50mm up to and including 12 /300mm/355mm - main, service or pipeline Metallic greater than 12 /300mm - main, service or pipeline Metallic greater than 2 /50mm up to and including 12 /300mm - main, service or pipeline Metallic greater than 12 /300mm main, pipeline or service Below 75mb RO NRO NRO Above 75mbar up to 2 bar NRO NRO NRO NRO Above 2 bar up to 7 bar NRO RO NRO NRO NRO NRO NRO 14 Nipple Insertion [1] [2] Any diameter main or service NRO NRO 15 Squeeze off or Stopple on PE pipes Plastic greater than 63mm and up to and including 355mm - main or service Above 7 bar NRO NRO NRO NRO NRO NRO RO NRO NRO NRO NRO NRO NRO NRO RO NRO NRO NRO NRO NRO NRO NRO RO NRO NRO 16 Squeeze off or Stopple on PE pipes Plastic greater than 355mm main or service NRO NRO NRO Closure of Valve (see row 28 for valve closure under routine maintenance) Closure of Valve (see row 28 for valve closure under routine maintenance) Commissioning by direct purging by the [2] controlled use of squeeze off on offtake tee Commissioning by direct purging by the controlled use of squeeze off on offtake tee Connection to stub end [2] (to include controlled purging/commissioning) Connection to stub end (to include controlled purging/commissioning) Plastic greater than 63mm and up to and including 355mm - main or service RO NRO NRO Plastic greater than 355mm main or service NRO NRO NRO Plastic greater than 63mm and up to and including 355mm - main or service Plastic greater than 355mm and up to and including 500mm - main or service Plastic greater than 63mm and up to and including 355mm or Metallic greater than 2 /50mm up to and including 12 /300mm - Main, service or pipeline Plastic greater than 355mm or Metallic greater than 12 /300mm - Main, service or pipeline RO NRO NRO NRO NRO NRO RO NRO NRO NRO NRO NRO NRO NRO

13 GDN/PM/SCO/4 13 of ACTIVITY Connection to valve, nipple or [1] [2] Under pressure tee (to include controlled purging/commissioning via a rider) Connection to valve or [1] Under pressure tee (to include controlled purging/commissioning via a rider) Connection by branch saddle [1] [2] (to include controlled purging/commissioning via a rider) 26 Pressure testing Any other activity which could affect the normal operation of gas handling, storage and pressure controlled installations, telemetered supplies or have an impact upon significant parts of the Network system Valve movement under routine maintenance Main, Service or Pipeline Diameter Range Plastic greater than 63mm and up to and including 355mm or metallic greater than 2 /50mm and up to and including 12 /300mm - main or pipeline Plastic greater than 355mm or metallic greater than 12 /300mm - main or pipeline Plastic greater than 63mm and up to and including 355mm - main or pipeline Refer to Main and Service Laying Management and Work Procedures for MOP up to 7bar Below 75mb Above 75mbar up to 2 bar Above 2 bar up to 7 bar Above 7 bar RO NRO NRO NRO NRO NRO NRO NRO RO NRO NRO NRO NRO NRO N/A NRO NRO NRO NRO Any Size Carried out in accordance with standard routine maintenance procedures and processes to avoid conflict of operations. Where appropriate supported by local RO s or NRO s 29 Hot Works on live pipelines [3] Any Size NRO NRO NRO NRO 30 NOTES Works on the following gas meter installations or works that could affect such gas meter installations Gas meter installations with remotely operable emergency control valves, NTS/LTS meter installations, daily metered supplies, load sensitive supply points and those supply points that have contractual agreements for system enhanced pressures set above the Lowest Operating Pressure Carried out in accordance with standard routine maintenance procedures and processes to avoid conflict of operations. Where appropriate supported by local RO s or NRO s 1. Refers to the diameter of the branch of the under pressure tee or branch saddle fitted. Work includes drilling and commissioning of branch outlet by rider. Where encirclement fittings with branch outlets of up to and including 2 /50mm/63mm diameter for low and medium pressure main and service connections no RO or NRO documentation is required. 2. Where the operation requires a RO, the complete RO shall be forwarded to the Network Controller, with the exception of those indicated [2] and all works on low pressure mains and services up to and including 6 /150mm/180mm diameter, where the minimum requirement is for the front sheet only of the RO to be forwarded to the Network Controller. 3. Hot Work is usually taken to apply to an operation that could include the application of heat or ignition sources to tanks, vessels, pipelines, etc., which may contain or have contained flammable vapour and or involves the emission of toxic fumes from the application of heat, within areas where flammable atmospheres may be present. A Permit to Work covering Hot Works, in association with an NRO where appropriate, will be applied to any welding, brazing, flame cutting, sample scraping or when spark-producing grinding wheels are to be used, this list is not exhaustive and other similar work types could apply. For further guidance refer to Table 1 MISCELLANEOUS NOTES Any decommissioning works associated with the particular activity shall be included within the RO/NRO. Non-standard materials such as PVC or Asbestos will attract the same requirements as metallic mains and services of similar diameters. Non-routine and Routine operational procedures other than those listed may be applied whenever necessary. In all cases Authorising Engineers shall assure themselves that the correct management and work procedures are being applied.

14 GDN/PM/SCO/4 14 of 52 Table 1 The Application for permitry in relation to Hot Works activities Criteria for Hot Works application The application of heat or ignition sources to tanks, vessels, pipelines, etc., which may contain or have contained flammable vapour, or in areas where flammable atmospheres may be present i.e. Any burning, welding, brazing, flame cutting, grinding, taking sample scrapings etc. Pin brazing Any burning, welding, brazing, flame cutting, grinding on other than live or decommissioned tanks, vessels, pipelines, etc. The emission of toxic fumes from the application of heat Minor Works on Above Ground Installations, Pressure Reduction Stations, Holder Stations or District Governors (not involving excavation works), i.e. repairs to doors, windows, etc. utilising hand held equipment. Visual Inspections, e.g. by civil or environmental persons involving recording via video or camera equipment. Permit To Work (PTW) See Section 2.1 (GDN/PM/ SCO/2) for other risks to be managed See Section 2.1 (GDN/PM/ SCO/2) for other risks to be managed See Section 2.1 (GDN/PM/ SCO/2) for other risks to be managed See Section 2.1 (GDN/PM/ SCO/2) for other risks to be managed Yes If site hazards are judged to be significant Yes If site hazards are judged to be significant NRO Hot Works (PTW) Form Of Authority (FOA) Yes Yes No No Yes No No Yes No No Yes No No No *Yes No No *Yes *Specific attention is drawn to the FOA requirements of Box 2 Hazard identification including Atmosphere Checks and Box 3 in conjunction with The Operational Site General Safety Instructions specifically item 13. (GDN/PM/SCO/2 Appendices C and A)

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16 GDN/PM/SCO/4 16 of 52 Flowchart 1 Non-Routine Operational Procedures Does work require NRO procedure? YES NO Work carried out in compliance with company procedures Originator creates NRO and requests NRO No s from Network Controller Is network analysis required? YES NO Obtain network analysis Does NRO require additional approval? NO YES Obtain approvals from other GT, DNCC, GNCC, adjacent Network Controller, Meter Operations Controller etc. NRO passed to AE for authorisation Has NRO been authorised? NO NRO returned to originator to amend Originator amends NRO YES Copy of NRO passed to Network Controller in accordance with notification periods Network Controller carries out competency, contingency and conflict checks Does Network Controller provide clearance to proceed? NO NRO returned to AE with reasons for rejection CP or originator amends NRO From page 2 2 on next page

17 GDN/PM/SCO/4 17 of AE arranges NRO to be passed to CP and briefed before commencement CP signs NRO to confirm full understanding of the operation NO Is designated CP on site on planned date? YES Can the work be completed as per the NRO? NO Can CP obtain authorisation from AE for deviation to NRO? NO NRO returned to AE with reasons for rejection YES YES CP starts job following authorised procedure CP records agreed amendment on NRO End Is there a need to deviate from any part of the authorised NRO? YES Can CP obtain authorisation from AE for deviation to NRO? NO CP aborts NRO and advises Network Controller of AE s decision YES CP records agreement on NRO NO CP completes job Completion logged with Network Controller NRO documentation returned to job/project file End

18 GDN/PM/SCO/4 18 of Notification of Start/End of Works & Cancellation or Deferment 5.1. Start/end of works Once clearance to proceed has been provided for non-routine operational procedures there is a requirement for the Competent Person to contact the Authorising Engineer and Network Controller/Meter Operations Controller prior to work starting. Where work involves the GNCC and/or the DNCC these shall also be notified prior to starting the work. Once work has been completed the Competent Person shall contact and inform the Authorising Engineer and Network Controller/Meter Operations Controller and all persons required to be notified under the procedure of the status of the operation, i.e. completed fully, completed partially or aborted. This is to ensure that the network is made available for other work activities Cancellations, deferments and extensions With prior consultation with the Network Controller, the Authorising Engineer shall ensure non-routine operational procedures are managed and scheduled to take place on the appointed days, that they do not conflict with other proceeding work and the integrity and safety of the network are not compromised. Where an operation has been confirmed to take place within a specific time window and is subsequently cancelled, deferred or extended, the Competent Person shall agree the cancellation, deferment or extension with the Authorising Engineer and provide Network Analysis in support of the rearranged dates as appropriate. At least 5 working days for standard NROs or where GNCC and/or DNCC is involved 10 working days notification should be provided to allow the Network Controller to reassess the operation and reissue a valid Clearance to Proceed. For deferments or extensions, confirmation shall be given from the Network Controller/Meter Operations Controller that any re-arranged dates are acceptable and the outlined work does not conflict with other Network operations. All others involved in the operation should be advised as soon as possible. The Network Controller will not allow any cancellations, deferments or extensions unless the person reporting confirms that the

19 GDN/PM/SCO/4 19 of 52 Authorising Engineer is aware of the status of the works. The Network Controller will log all details on the management system. 6. Permits to Work A permit to work should be used where necessary in support of the non-routine operational procedure. Refer to GDN/PM/SCO/2 Management Procedure for Safe Control of Operations Issue Of Permits To Work And Forms Of Authority On The Network It is also advisable to use a permit to work when two or more individuals or groups of people, perhaps from different disciplines, contractors or organisations who are undertaking work on the network or meter installations, need to co-ordinate their activities to ensure their work is completed safely. This should apply equally when there is a transfer of work and responsibilities from one group to another. Where a permit to work is required, this should be indicated in Box T within the written procedure (See Appendix A). 7. Change of Authorising Engineer or Competent Person 7.1. Change to Authorising Engineer If the Authorising Engineer will be unavailable whilst the non-routine operational procedure is undertaken, e.g. due to annual leave, they shall transfer the responsibility and brief another suitable Authorising Engineer on the proposed operation. All relevant copies of documentation shall be updated to reflect the change of Authorising Engineer requiring the replacement AE to sign off the NRO, with the Competent Person informed and provided with the revised contact number for the replacement Authorising Engineer. The Network Controller shall also be informed of the change and a copy of the amended front sheet of the authorised NRO should be forwarded to the Network Controller for clearance Change to Competent Person If the Competent Person is unable to start/continue the work for any reason, e.g. due to illness, the Authorising Engineer shall nominate and arrange for the new Competent Person to be briefed regarding the proposed works and provided with a copy of the authorised and

20 GDN/PM/SCO/4 20 of 52 cleared to proceed documentation. The non-routine operational procedure shall be endorsed with the name of the new Competent Person and be signed to confirm acceptance. The replacement Competent Person should be notified to the Network Controller before work starts to check the nominee s SCO registration/competence check for carrying out the work. If it is impracticable for the competence check to be carried out prior to the Competent Person starting, i.e. changeover occurred outside normal office hours, the Network Controller should be informed as soon as reasonably practicable. All procedure recipients should be advised of the changed responsibilities. In cases where work is continuous, e.g. working shifts, there may be a need for more than one Competent Person. A local procedure shall be developed for this situation, which will call for the Competent Person to be clearly identified on the permitry with appropriate precautions including the handover process Hand over (Delegated Authority) For any circumstance as described in sections 7.1 and 7.2 that leads to a delegation of authority for a change to AE or CP, a full hand over process shall be undertaken to ensure the nominated person has full knowledge and understanding of the operation that he/she is to manage. All associated documentation shall be both clear and concise to ensure effective control throughout i.e. fit for purpose 8. Deviations from Non-Routine Operational Procedures 8.1. Deviations prior to and after starting non-routine operational procedures Prior to starting or once started a non-routine operational procedure, if the Competent Person identifies that the authorised procedure is not consistent with on-site conditions so as to necessitate ANY departure from the authorised procedure, work on the procedure shall not start or should stop or be aborted. The Competent Person shall immediately contact the Authorising Engineer and appraise them of the situation. The Authorising Engineer is allowed to make amendments to the permitry. The Authorising Engineer shall use his/her engineering judgement to approve a deviation from the

21 GDN/PM/SCO/4 21 of 52 written permitry or abort the works. Work shall not start or restart until the Authorising Engineer has agreed and authorised any changes. The Authorising Engineer shall take into account all stakeholders who have given their approval or been notified of the non-routine operational procedure. Where necessary contact the Network Controller to agree additional approval. If it should be necessary to depart from the authorised procedure, a full record of the agreed actions to be taken shall be clearly written on the procedure document. The Competent Person has no authority to deviate from the authorised nonroutine operational procedure unless the Authorising Engineer has granted authority. It is the responsibility of the Authorising Engineer to ensure that the impact of any proposed amendments on safety and security of supply are fully assessed and that the Competent Person has a clear understanding of the agreed procedural changes. In particular, where the Authorising Engineer determines that the necessary changes can be agreed and authorised verbally 'off site' the agreed actions shall be read back to the Authorising Engineer and explicitly understood by both the Competent Person and the Authorising Engineer before the operation restarts. A copy of the final annotated procedure should be forwarded to the Authorising Engineer for review on completion of the operation. Where an immediate controlled solution to the change in site circumstances is not practicable, or the procedure needs to be significantly rewritten, the Authorising Engineer should abort the operation. Competent Person / Authorising Engineer has no authority to deviate from Engineering Procedures 9. Deviations from Engineering Procedures Where the work cannot be undertaken in accordance with current engineering procedures, the Authorising Engineer should refer the matter in accordance with the current deviation process. Any urgent requirement for authorisation to deviate from engineering procedures shall be referred to an operational senior manager and be supported by a comprehensive risk assessment.

22 GDN/PM/SCO/4 22 of Prior to Starting Non-Routine Operational Procedures Briefing of non-routine operational procedures Where the Competent Person is not the originator of the procedure, or where the procedure has been authorised and additional comments included, these shall be briefed to the Competent Person so that they fully understand the proposed operation. It is the Authorising Engineer s responsibility to ensure that this is done. The Competent Person shall satisfy themselves that all personnel involved have been fully briefed on the procedure and are clear on their roles and responsibilities, they are competent to undertake the tasks assigned to them and ensure that they have a clear understanding of both the proposed operation and their own role Inconsistency between non-routine operational procedure and onsite conditions If the Competent Person identifies that the authorised procedure is not consistent with on-site conditions refer to Section 8 Deviations from Non-Routine Operational Procedures Competent Persons acknowledgement of proposed operation Checklist On receipt and briefing of the authorised procedure, the Competent Person shall sign the procedure (refer to Box U in Appendix A) to confirm that they fully understand the proposed operation and that they have all the relevant documentation, including Clearance to Proceed, associated with the procedure in their possession. The non-routine procedure shall remain on-site whilst the operation is underway. The clearance to proceed must be held on site, this can be in paper or electronic format. The only exception being in the event of an emergency where immediate action is required refer to guidance in GDN/PM/SCO1 Section 4.6 Emergency Actions. All preliminary work should be specified, i.e. preparation of excavations, pressure, purge and vent points connections, purge calculations, anchorage calculations, etc., as appropriate. Prior to work starting, the Competent Person shall confirm that: a) All necessary preparatory work has been completed

23 GDN/PM/SCO/4 23 of 52 b) All necessary materials, tools, equipment and personnel are on site c) Communications are functional prior to starting and during the works and all personnel involved in the operation have been briefed on their duties d) Valves to be operated have been clearly identified e) The gas supply position, valve status, governors, holders and pressure regimes are all in accordance with the procedure assumption f) All appropriate checks have been completed to validate the network against the proposed work and any minimum system pressures are available g) Where appropriate all supply points shall have been identified and notified of the work h) The impact of the procedure on any large gas meter installation has been assessed i) The requirements of any permit to work are met j) By contact with those who gave them, that all approvals are still valid; and k) Any other appropriate requirements satisfied. After completion of the actions listed above, the Competent Person should notify all persons who wish to be notified under the procedure. 11. Execution of Non-Routine Operational Procedures Attendance of Competent Person on site The Competent Person in control of the operation shall be on site during the operation and supervise their execution, unless and with the approval of the Authorising Engineer, control can be as effectively exercised from elsewhere, e.g. Distribution Network Control Centre or a communications centre, or by other nominated supervision indicated on the non-routine operational procedure.

24 GDN/PM/SCO/4 24 of Changes of circumstances during the non-routine operational procedure Once the operation has started, if the Competent Person identifies that circumstances have changed, so as to necessitate ANY departure from the authorised procedure, work on the procedure should stop or be aborted. Refer to Section 8 Deviations from nonroutine operational procedures above Work involving notification to GNCC and/or DNCC Where a procedure involves GNCC and/or DNCC and the work is being undertaken over several days the Competent Person shall log-on with GNCC and/or DNCC at the start of the day and log-off with a status report at the end of the day. 12. Works Associated with the Control of Gas Operations Procedures that Require Notification to GNCC and DNCC Procedures Note, that for more complex operations it is essential to consult with GNCC and/or DNCC at an early stage, prior to starting the preparation of the procedure Draft Procedures All draft procedures supplied to the GNCC or DNCC should contain all the information required in the final, with the exception of the appropriate authorisation signatures, start and end dates SHALL be specified. Where these are not certain the likely window of operations should be provided. This information is required to ensure there are no conflicting operations Final Procedures Final procedures shall include firm start and end dates, and before the operation starts, GNCC and/or DNCC shall have received a copy of the front sheet endorsed with all the required clearance / approvals and the authorisation signatures. The appropriate action to take for procedures affecting GNCC and/or DNCC is given below. This is also represented in the flowchart in Appendix B.

25 GDN/PM/SCO/4 25 of Procedures Affecting the National Transmission System (NTS) All Non-Routine Procedures affecting the NTS shall be sent to the Gas National Control Centre (GNCC) for comment and approval. These can fall into two categories: a) Operations that require the GNCC to take action, including those contained within contingency plans. b) Operations other than those described above that will initiate telemetered alarms at GNCC. Work falling into either of these categories should be treated in the same way as work on the NTS except that for operations in section (b) above the advance periods specified for DNCC appropriate Distribution Network System Operator will be adequate. Works of these types should be directed through the DNCC as the first point of contact who shall then notify the GNCC. The draft procedures documents should be received by GNCC as early as possible, but at least 30 working days before the work is due to start. The GNCC should endeavour to reply as soon as possible, usually within 5 working days. The final version should be received no later than 10 working days before the work is due to start Procedures Affecting the Local Transmission System (LTS) Operations for which DNCC should be consulted for comment and approval at the draft stage The associated documents should be received by DNCC as early as possible, but at least 15 working days before the work is due to start. DNCC should reply within 5 working days and the final version of the procedure should be received no later than 5 working days in advance of work commencing. The following types of operation fall into this category: a) Operations which affect the availability of or ability to utilise diurnal storage. b) Operations, which could affect supply systems in another Distribution Network. This includes work,

26 GDN/PM/SCO/4 26 of 52 which might isolate MP or LP systems, which affect adjacent networks. c) Operations, which could affect the integrity or security of the strategic gas supply system, such as the isolation or restriction of availability of a pipeline or installation. In most cases this would be restricted to systems operating above 7 bar but would also include 2 and 7 bar systems where these are monitored and/or controlled remotely by the DNCC. d) Operations whose Emergency Contingency Plans require DNCC to take action. e) Operations, which could result in the loss of telemetry from one or more installations that could initiate an alarm, or requires DNCC to take control actions. f) Operations where existing procedures specifically call for GNCC and/or DNCC agreement, for example on COMAH sites. g) Operations performed on systems where local agreements between DNCC and the Network are in place. This cannot be an exhaustive list. The Authorising Engineer/ Competent Persons should consult DNCC support staff if they have any doubts about the need to send procedure documents for comment and agreement Operations with minimum impact on DNCC, and does not require DNCC approval A copy of the final version should be received by DNCC no later than 5 working days in advance of work commencing this applies to any work not described in Section that falls into the following categories. a) Operations, which could initiate an alarm within the DNCC, for example where the operating pressure of

27 GDN/PM/SCO/4 27 of 52 a system supplied by a telemetered installation is changed. b) Operations which require DNCC to take control actions, for example to start plant, to change the set point of a device, to change alarm settings, or where remotely controlled plant is to be operated manually from site. c) Operations performed on systems where local agreements between DNCC and the Network are in place require DNCC to be included in the circulation list for information only. d) Other operations where the Authorising Engineer, Competent Person or document originator assesses that there is a good reason to notify GNCC and/or DNCC Operations that have no impact on DNCC If not detailed within section and DNCC should not be included on the circulation list. However, if there is any doubt, guidance should be sought from DNCC Support Staff. 13. Completion On completion, the Competent Person shall ensure that: a) The status of valves, regulators, holders and pressure regimes are all in accordance with the state agreed at the outset of the procedure b) Any pressure recorder/logger affected has been inspected c) The Network Controller and all persons required to be notified under the procedure have been informed of the status of the operation, i.e. completed fully, completed partially or aborted d) These confirmations are noted in Completion Advice, see Section 9. (Appendix A) The duties specified above may be delegated to another person only with the permission of the Authorising Engineer.

28 GDN/PM/SCO/4 28 of 52 On completion of the operation a copy of the procedure signed by the Competent Person should be filed in the project file (where applicable) or returned to the Authorising Engineer. A sketch of the completed work should also be included to enable accurate records to be maintained General The sections within the procedure that require verification shall be endorsed with the initials/signature of the Competent Person on the cleared to proceed copy as each action is complied with.

29 GDN/PM/SCO/4 29 of 52 Appendix A Non routine operational procedure form Note company logo can be inserted on this document 1. OUTLINE, APPROVALS, AUTHORITY, CIRCULATION A) Network ID: B) Organisation: C) Project / 3 rd Party Ref. D) NRO Number: E) Location: Post Code: F) Outline of objectives: Pressure range: G) Map References Start date: Start: E: N: End: E: N: Time: Start: E: N: End: E: N: H) Extension approved by: Print names & dates End date: Time: Revised End date & Time: I) Details of effect on gas supplies: Has Network Analysis been consulted? YES/NO. If YES, please append details. If NO, please provide reason. J) Are there any long term plant/mains outages planned? YES/NO/ N/A. If YES, please append details. Start date: Time: End date: Time: K) Is Adjacent Network Controller O) Work Instruction YES/NO clearance required? Reference Number L) Is G.T. approval required? YES/NO P) Approved GL/5, G/17 or G/19 Number(s) M) Is DNCC approval required? YES/NO Q) Is Odorant Present? YES/NO DRAFT / FINAL N) Is GNCC approval required? YES/NO R) Status of NRO Version No. S) Is Meter Operations Controller T) Is a Permit to Work YES/NO YES/NO approval required? required? Permit No. U) APPROVALS NAME POSITION SIGNATURE DATE Prepared by: GNCC DNCC Comments on Procedure: Action by Originator: NOTE: If the procedure is not approved, it should be modified and resubmitted. If the comments are noted but not actioned, the originator of this procedure must provide an explanation prior to re-submission for authorisation. COMPETENT PERSON with OVERALL responsibility Authorising Engineer(s) Authorised by: Mentor Counter Signed Network Controller Clearance to proceed NAME POSITION SIGNATURE DATE Date originated Version No. Page No. NRO No.

30 GDN/PM/SCO/4 30 of 52 V) CIRCULATION LIST (including all those approving the document) Name Title Date No. of copies W) PERSONS IN AUTHORITY COMPETENT PERSON with OVERALL responsibility Name Position Area of responsibility Other COMPETENT PERSONNEL and their Sub Areas of responsibility X) EFFECT ON OTHER GAS TRANSPORTERS SYSTEMS Gas transporters name Contact name and telephone number Details of operational arrangements Y) EFFECT ON MAJOR SUPPLY POINTS Supply point name Contact name and telephone number Date Contacted Details of operational arrangements Date originated Version No. Page No. NRO No.

31 GDN/PM/SCO/4 31 of 52 NON-ROUTINE OPERATIONAL PROCEDURE (GDN/PM/SCO/4) 1.1 SUMMARY OF NON-ROUTINE OPERATIONAL PROCEDURE Reason for Procedure: Short description of method: Duration of operation and number of phases Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase ESSENTIAL GAS SUPPLY ASPECTS Supply sources required for operation with minimum pressures: Governor input/output sources affected/turned off during operations: System alarms/pressure recorders affected: Diameter / Length / Material of bypass: 1.3 SECTION OF PIPELINE ISOLATED DURING OPERATIONS Provide details 2. PERSONNEL & COMMUNICATIONS Name Location Phone No. Call sign Duties 3. WORK PRELIMINARY TO OPERATION (attach any relevant calculations, network analysis details, etc. to section 10 of this procedure) Item Action by Verified by Date originated Version No. Page No. NRO No.