Natural Gas

Critical Asset Notification Requests

Critical Asset Notification Requests

If you need to conduct works in the vicinity of a critical asset please complete a Critical Asset Pipeline Request Form. Please include the full scope of works, methodology, machinery and all relevant plans and proving information. 

To help you better understand our gas infrastructure, ATCO has prepared an information handbook for anyone planning and conducting works around the gas distribution network. The information in the handbook provides additional information and further guidance after conducting a Before You Dig Australia request, helping you carry out your works safely. Some topics covered by the handbook include: 

  • Understanding our gas distribution network
  • Planning for works around the network
  • Identifying the location of buried pipes
  • Safely conducting activities around the network
  • Mandatory requirements for working around critical asset gas infrastructure

 

Please review our handbook for more information: Additional Information for Working around gas infrastructure

Please find ATCO’s list of External Approved Locators here for your convenience. 

 

Notification of Works

If you need to conduct works in the vicinity of non-critical asset gas infrastructure and require ATCO engineering assessment or feedback, please complete the Notification of Works Form. Please include the full scope of works, methodology, machinery and all relevant plans and proving information.

 

Things to know before submitting a request

  • You will need to have the following information handy to complete this application:
  • Valid DBYD Gas Sequence Number from your Before You Dig Australia request
  • Requester’s details
  • On site contact details including an additional email address (if applicable)
  • Separation distance from the gas infrastructure
  • Proposed start date
  • Full scope of works including machinery size and methodology
  • Any documents to upload including proving information, design drawings etc.
  • ATCO Approved HP Locator (if applicable)  - see ATCO’s list of External Approved Locators
  • Location of the proposed works
  • Any Hot Works
  • ATCO Engineering Approval ES Number (if applicable)

Critical Asset Notification Request form

The Critical Asset Notification Request Form can be accessed below. It is imperative that all required information is submitted to ATCO to aid in the assessment of your proposed works. Seeking additional information from you may lead to delays in processing your submission.

notification of works

If you need to conduct works in the vicinity of non-critical asset gas infrastructure and require ATCO engineering assessment or feedback, please complete the Notification of Works Form. Please include the full scope of works, methodology, machinery and all relevant plans and proving information.

Works within 15 metres of high critical asset infrastructure

Due to the risk associated with working around critical asset gas pipelines, all works that are proposed within 15 metres of critical asset gas infrastructure must be evaluated by ATCO. Once consent is provided by ATCO as the asset owner, a critical asset notification will be provided that will list the permitted activities and any conditions that must be followed. A copy of the current critical asset notification must always be on site and presented to any authorised ATCO officer upon request.  

Relevant works are any action or activity or the omission of any act or activity that could affect the gas pipeline including, but not limited to: 

  • weight loading onto the pipeline – heavy vehicle crossings, crane positioning, equipment storage, compaction, additional ground cover
  • vibration loading – compaction, drilling, piling, vibratory rolling
  • impact – digging, drilling, tie-back bars, pole installation, fencing, boring, new service installation, ground anchors, tree removal or stump grinding, etc
  • alteration of ground conditions – road works, land developments, footpaths, crossovers, cycle paths, water courses (including swales or open drains), planting of vegetation, etc., including any activities that may limit access or cause the ground to shift or subside
  • hot works – grinding, welding, thermal cutting or heating, and other related heat producing or spark-producing operations per Section 5.5. 

 

The location / position and obvert level (i.e., ‘top’) of all gas pipelines should be proven using direct visual identification during the planning / design stage of the project. In some instances, proving of the gas pipeline is necessary to obtain a Critical Asset Notification for subsequent activities.

 

Proving Requirements

Quality A (QLA) – Required to proceed with installation/ works around ATCO Critical Assets. This is the highest quality level of accuracy and consists of positive identification of the asset at a point that is absolute. It is the only quality level that defines a subsurface utility as ‘Validated’ or “Proven” and the only quality that will be accepted by ATCO for installation

 

Quality B (QLB) – Design purposes ONLY and not for installation/ works purposes. This quality level is an electronic location provided by an ATCO Approved Locator. NOTE: Quality B locating has a horizontal tolerance of ±300 mm and a maximum vertical tolerance of ±500 mm, which is why it cannot be used for installation/ works purposes.

 

NOTE: Not all ATCO non-metallic pipelines are fitted with a tracer wire and are able to be located by an electromagnetic device, and therefore this option will not be available, in which case, an Approved Locator Must proceed with Quality A proving. Approved Locator Must first seek and receive approval from AGA Damage Prevention Coordinator, AGA Damage Prevention Supervisor or AGA Engineering Services to conduct Quality B locating if not specified on the Notification

 

Safety Warning

Do not proceed with your works until ATCO has processed your request and issued you with a Critical Asset Notification, outlining the conditions. A copy of your Critical Asset Notification must remain on site at all times and is only valid for as long as specified on the On Site Request. It is important that prior to commencing any works, a Before You Dig Australia request is raised. This is to help prevent damage to service infrastructure and to help ensure the safety of those working on the site.

 

Process/Timeframes

Applications are processed within three business days providing all conditions* have been met. For more information regarding lead times please read section 4.5.1 of the Additional Information for Working Around Gas Infrastructure PDF.

 

Contact details

For help with this form or for any enquiries please contact criticalassetenquiries@atco.com or phone 1300 926 755 between 7.30AM and 3.30PM, Monday – Friday.

Frequently asked questions

  • What do I need to complete this application?

    You will need to have the following information handy to complete this application:

    • Valid BYDA Gas Sequence Number from your Before You Dig Australia request
    • Requester’s details
    • On site contact details including an additional email address (if applicable)
    • Separation distance from the gas infrastructure
    • Proposed start date
    • Full scope of works including machinery size and methodology
    • Any documents to upload including proving information, design drawings etc.
    • ATCO Approved Critical Asset Locator (if applicable)  - see ATCO’s list of External Approved Locators
    • Location of the proposed works
    • Any Hot Works
    • ATCO Engineering Approval ES Number (if applicable)

     

    It is imperative that all above information is submitted to ATCO to aid in the assessment of your proposed works. Please note that seeking additional information that has not been provided may lead to delays in processing your application.

  • How do I know if the area I’m working in has a critical asset gas pipeline in it?

    Please refer to the documentation provided by ATCO in response to your Dial Before You Dig enquiry. The documentation should indicated whether your selected area is in the vicinity of the critical asset pipeline gas network, includes a legend on how to read your plan and more information.

  • How do I know if a critical asset locator is required?

    See section 6.1, Table 7 of the Additional Information for Working Around Gas Infrastructure Handbook for further information.

  • When do I need a critical asset locator to attend the site?

    A trained and competent ATCO employee or contractor will be required to assess all mechanical excavation, including plunking if works will be carried out within five metres of a critical asset main. 

    See image below. Limitations on activities and use of mechanical equipment will also apply. See section 6.3.1 of the Additional Information Handbook for further information.

    High Pressure Locator

    You can view a list of approved locators here.

    Please note that all on-site attendance by approved locators are at the cost of the applicant. You are also responsible to any landscaping or road reinstatements that may be required by local regulations imposed by a local government authority or road-owner/land-owner.

  • How do I know if “proving only” is required?

    A “proving only” notification is required to complete proving works of critical asset mains as per section 5.2 of the Additional Information Handbook. This notification is only valid for the physical locating of underground assets. ATCO will not need the full project scope at this stage. Proving data is required prior to submitting a request for a Critical Asset Notification/engineering assessment for certain works.

  • What is the required lead time to obtain a Critical Asset Notification or engineering assessment?

    The minimum times you should allow for processing a Critical Asset Notification to allow works within 15 metres of high pressure gas assets are:

    • Critical Asset notification without engineering assessment – 3 business days
    • Critical Asset Notification with engineering assessment – 20 business days
  • How do I submit an engineering assessment request?

    Tick yes on “ATCO Engineering Assessment” within the Critical Asset Notification Request form and fill out scope accordingly. Our engineering team can be contacted at eservices@atco.com if you have any further questions.

  • Who can I contact about this?

    For help with this form or for any enquiries please contact criticalassetenquiries@atco.com or phone 1300 926 755 between 7.30AM and 3.30PM, Monday – Friday.

  • What is quality A & quality B locating?

    Quality A (QLA) – Required to proceed with installation/ works around ATCO Critical Assets. This is the highest quality level of accuracy and consists of positive identification of the asset at a point that is absolute. It is the only quality level that defines a subsurface utility as ‘Validated’ or “Proven” and the only quality that will be accepted by ATCO for installation

     

    Quality B (QLB) – Design purposes ONLY and not for installation/ works purposes. This quality level is an electronic location provided by an ATCO Approved Locator. NOTE: Quality B locating has a horizontal tolerance of ±300 mm and a maximum vertical tolerance of ±500 mm, which is why it cannot be used for installation/ works purposes.

     

    NOTE: Not all ATCO non-metallic pipelines are fitted with a tracer wire and are able to be located by an electromagnetic device, and therefore this option will not be available, in which case, an Approved Locator Must proceed with Quality A proving. Approved Locator Must first seek and receive approval from AGA Damage Prevention Coordinator, AGA Damage Prevention Supervisor or AGA Engineering Services to conduct Quality B locating if not specified on the Notification

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