Gas information sheet 02: Hot-tapping of consumer piping

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Hot tapping is a procedure that makes a new pipeline connection while the pipeline remains in service, without isolating the gas supply or requiring purging. The hot tap procedure involves attaching a branch connection and valve on the outside of an operating pipeline, and then cutting out the pipe-line wall within the branch and removing the wall section through the valve. This avoids product loss, emissions or disruption of service to customers.

Where a hot-tapping is required, an application must be made to Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) for authorisation, and work must not commence until authorisation has been given. The gasfitter must submit an “Application for Acceptance of Complex Gas Installations and Type B Gas Appliances” to ESV. This is a requirement of the Gas Safety (Gas Installation) Regulations 2008. Also the gasfitter will need to provide a signed Compliance Notice and may need to provide a test report.

Refer to, Division 4, Clause 26.

Division 4—Standards and requirements in relation to hot-tapping work

26 Standards and requirements for hot-tapping work

1. For the purposes of section 72(1) (relating to standard of work) of the Act, it is a prescribed requirement that a person must—

(a) before carrying out gasfitting work that is hot-tapping work, apply to Energy Safe Victoria for authorisation to carry out that work; and

(b) not carry out gasfitting work that is hot-tapping work unless that work is authorised by Energy Safe Victoria.

2. For the purposes of section 72(1) of the Act, the prescribed standard for carrying out gasfitting work that is hot-tapping work is the standard determined by Energy Safe Victoria for that work in the authorisation of that work.
3. This regulation applies despite anything to the contrary in Division 1.

The following companies have experience with hot-tapping work.

For further information please call the Energy Safe Victoria Technical Help Line on 1800 652 563.