Gas information sheet 02: Hot-tapping of consumer piping
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
- 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.
- 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.
- This regulation applies despite anything to the contrary in Division 1.
The following companies have experience with hot-tapping work.
Company | Material accreditation | Contact details |
---|---|---|
Australian Hot Taps | Steel Copper |
12 Evelyn Grove, Healesville, VIC 3777 Ph: (03) 5962 1155 M: 0421 851 980 |
All Pipe Plumbing Services | Steel Copper |
Ph: (03) 9768 3334 M: 0419 325 750 |
T.D. Williamson Australia Pty Ltd | Steel | 14 Industrial Drive, Sunshine West VIC 3020 Ph: (03) 9334 1900 |
Van de Poppe Plumbing Services Pty Ltd | Steel | 9 Seaforth Street, North Shore VIC 3214 (03) 52782527 |
Furmanite Australia Pty Ltd | Steel | 4 Gateway Court, Port Melbourne VIC 3207 Ph: (03) 9285 2200 |
For further information please call the Energy Safe Victoria Technical Help Line on 1800 652 563.