PSR 1996: HSE Pipelines Safety Rules

Regulatory citation: Pipelines Safety Regulations 1996 (SI 1996/825), as amended

What Are the Pipelines Safety Regulations?

The Pipelines Safety Regulations 1996 (PSR) set safety duties for pipelines that convey fluids, both onshore and offshore. A pipeline is a pipe or system of pipes, with associated apparatus such as valves and cathodic protection, used to convey any fluid. Drains and sewers, pipes inside heating or cooling apparatus and certain other pipes are excluded. Schedule 1 also excludes pipelines such as those wholly within a single undertaking's premises and water pipelines.

Most duties fall on the operator, which is the person who has or will have control over conveying fluid in the pipeline. Pipelines that convey dangerous fluids are major accident hazard pipelines (MAHPs) and have extra duties.

Why Pipeline Safety Matters

A loss of containment from a high-pressure gas or hazardous liquid pipeline can cause fires, explosions and toxic releases affecting people well beyond the pipeline route. PSR requires pipelines to be designed, operated and maintained to prevent this.

Core Requirements

1. Design, Build and Equip the Pipeline Safely (Regulations 5–9)

Fluid must not be conveyed unless the pipeline is designed to withstand the forces and fluids it will face, has the safety systems needed to protect people, is made of suitable materials and is constructed and installed so it is sound and fit for purpose. It must be designed so it can be safely examined and maintained.

2. Set and Keep to Safe Operating Limits (Regulation 11)

The operator must establish safe operating limits before fluid is conveyed and must not operate the pipeline beyond them, except for testing.

3. Plan for Incidents and Maintain the Pipeline (Regulations 10, 12–13)

Adequate arrangements must be in place to deal with accidental loss of fluid, discovery of damage or defects and other emergencies. The pipeline must be maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair, and any work on it must not affect its soundness. Under regulation 13A, operators of pipelines with iron pipes must comply, so far as practicable, with a decommissioning programme approved by HSE.

4. Prevent Damage (Regulations 15–16)

No person may cause damage to a pipeline that could give rise to danger. This duty applies to everyone, including contractors digging near a pipeline. The operator must take reasonable steps to inform people of the pipeline's existence and whereabouts.

5. Decommission Safely (Regulation 14)

A pipeline no longer used must be left in a safe condition, and the work to make it safe must be carried out safely.

6. Notify HSE About Major Accident Hazard Pipelines (Regulations 20–22)

For an MAHP, HSE must receive the Schedule 4 particulars at least 6 months before construction starts, unless it agrees a shorter period. Fluid must not be conveyed until 14 days after HSE receives notice of the intended date. Changes of operator or address must be notified within 14 days, and events such as route changes, new safe operating limits, major modifications or decommissioning need 3 months' notice.

7. Prepare a Major Accident Prevention Document (Regulation 23)

Before the design is complete, the operator of an MAHP must prepare a document showing that major accident hazards have been identified, the risks evaluated, the safety management system is adequate and audit arrangements are in place.

8. Have Emergency Procedures and Plans (Regulations 24–25)

The operator must establish, record and test emergency arrangements as often as appropriate. The local authority must prepare an emergency plan for each MAHP in its area and review it at least every three years. The operator must provide the information needed and may be charged a fee for the plan.

Common Compliance Approaches

Use a Pipeline Integrity Management System

Combine inspection, cathodic protection monitoring and defect assessment into one programme that feeds the safe operating limits.

Support Safe Digging

Respond to enquiries from people planning excavations, provide route maps and mark pipelines on site so third parties know where they run.

Track Notification Deadlines

Build the 6-month, 3-month and 14-day notice periods into project schedules for any new or modified MAHP.

Example: Pipeline Safety in Practice

An energy company plans a new 20 km high-pressure gas pipeline. It sends HSE the construction particulars seven months before work starts and prepares a major accident prevention document during design. Before first gas, it confirms the safe operating limits, notifies HSE of the start date, gives emergency plan information to the local authorities along the route and briefs landowners on where the pipeline runs.

Related regulations: PSSR 2000 pressure systems, DSEAR explosive atmospheres, EPA Risk Management Program.

Note: This summary reflects the Regulations as they apply in Great Britain, including pipelines in waters where the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 applies offshore, enforced by HSE. Northern Ireland has separate legislation. Always check the current legislation and HSE guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a dangerous fluid under PSR?

Schedule 2 lists dangerous fluids. Examples include flammable fluids conveyed as a gas at more than 8 bar absolute, certain flammable liquids, toxic and very toxic fluids and oxidising liquids. Since 6 April 2026, SI 2026/185 also lists carbon dioxide in any fluid state, including mixtures that are predominantly carbon dioxide, used exclusively for carbon capture, utilisation and storage operations.

How much notice does HSE need before building a major accident hazard pipeline?

HSE must receive the required particulars at least 6 months before construction starts, unless it agrees a shorter period. A further notice of the intended date of first use is needed at least 14 days before fluid is conveyed.

Who must prepare the emergency plan for a major accident hazard pipeline?

The operator must establish its own emergency procedures. The local authority must prepare a separate emergency plan for the area, review it at least every three years and may charge the operator a fee.