METHOD STATEMENT FOR GAS CONNECTION OR BREAK INTO EXISTING GAS MAIN

Gas Connection or Break into Existing Gas Main 

Before work commences a function test of all existing gas equipment must be made and any defects reported to the site manager in writing. The gas main is to be visually checked and inspected for faults, wrong material, broken or missing brackets and general health safety (Use a memo sheet to report faults and get a signature.) No work is to proceed on a gas main that does not conform to current legislation. Any rectification work will be chargeable at normal rates.

1. Test all internal gas mains for soundness.
2. Report any gas leaks for repair during work. (Not included in estimates)
3. Isolate the gas main section to be worked on and disconnect at a suitable point, blanking off the main side with the appropriate plug, spade or cap- Cross-bond any sections of pipe that have been removed.
4. If the incoming main is above 1” diameter then it shall be pre-purged with inert gas. 
5. If the main is below 1” in diameter, then it shall be purged with air. 
6. Following the procedure laid down in The Institute of Gas Engineers IGE/UP/1 and 1A.
7. Once the main is degassed the connection will be made using standard pipefitting techniques. (Hot Work Method statement may apply)
8. On completion of the connection, the pipework will be either coupled up to the new equipment or it shall be plugged in with a suitable device.
9. The new connection will be visually checked and any unions etc. tightened.
10. 8The section containing the new connection will be soundness tested.
11. The disconnected section will then be connected back to the main and checked.
12. Once all connections are made and secure the section will be purged as in 4) above. All purging to fuel gases will be outside the premises.
13. A purge is deemed to be complete when all sections of the gas system contain 100% GAS as recorded on a GASCO SEEKER.
14. When the whole of the system is purged a final soundness test will be made and a certificate of soundness for the whole installation will be issued.
15. All existing appliances will be function checked and any new appliances commissioned to manufacturers' requirements.
16. All new pipework will be labelled “GAS” every 40 feet and at direction changes.

SAFETY COMES FIRST WITH NO EXCEPTIONS.