Gas Act 1986

Product Information

In August 2021, the future role of hydrogen was consolidated in the long-awaited and first ever UK Hydrogen Strategy, which reinforced prior commitments but also set forth a roadmap for how these commitments are intended to be achieved over the 2020s (see further at paragraph 6.1 below). The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmosphere Regulations 2002 sets out requirements for the use of equipment and protective systems in potentially hazardous environments, including those where hydrogen is produced or stored.

The importance of hydrogen to the UK’s future energy system and industry is reflected in government policy. In November 2020, the UK government published its Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution, Advisers should be aware that, despite its powers, the Health and Safety Executive is unlikely to be able to deal with every case it receives. For tenants in houses in multiple occupation, local authorities have powers under the Housing Act 2004 and the Housing (Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation) (England) Regulations 2006 [35] to ensure the safe (and continuous) supply of gas. Local authorities can serve notice on landlords to comply with the regulations for houses in multiple occupation, and can prosecute where necessary.The government expects that 20-35% of the UK’s energy consumption in 2050 can be met with hydrogen and that it can be used in sectors ranging from heating to heavy industry, land, air and maritime transport. However, while the Hydrogen Strategy was welcomed by many in the industry, legal analysis and the development of new laws and an industry framework is yet to come with new legislation likely to be needed.. This is in addition to navigating the HSE and environmental regulations, whether as part of consenting such projects or in trying to get them built. Hydrogen Projects in development seize property and destroy it where there are reasonable grounds to believe it would cause serious personal injury [30] The installation and use of gas appliances (such as gas fires, boilers, cookers, water heaters and lighting appliances) or accessories (such as gas fittings, service pipes, valves and flues) creates fire and explosion risks and carbon monoxide poisoning risks to the consumer. The Uniform Network Code – sets out the common rules governing the gas transportation arrangements between licenced gas transporters and shippers, as required under their licence. Every licensed gas transporter must have its own network code, incorporating the Uniform Network Code, and governing the terms on which it will transport gas. It includes a Transportation Principal Document, which sets out the gas transportation arrangements between gas shippers and transporters and an Offtake Arrangements Document which sets out arrangements between different transporters. Leaking gas from poorly fitted appliances or pipe work can cause major fires and explosions that could endanger occupants and/or damage the consumer's property and adjacent premises.

A contravention of the regulations is a criminal offence under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. [27] DUTY OF SECRETARY OF STATE AND DIRECTOR TO CONSULT WITH HEALTH AND SAFETY EXECUTIVE ON SAFETY QUALIFICATIONS OF GAS CONTRACTORS detain any item which is likely to cause danger to health or safety to examine it, or use it as evidence in proceedings relating to an offence s.234 Housing Act 2004 and Housing (Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation) (England) Regulations 2006 SI 2006/372. that work is ongoing with the Health and Safety Executive to assess the potential for 20 % hydrogen blending into the gas network, and a call for evidence on the future of the gas system is to be launched later in 2021; andreg 36A, Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 SI 1998/2451 as inserted by reg 6, Gas Safety (Installation and Use)(Amendment) Regulations 2018 SI 2018/138.