Pipeline Safety 

SOXAL pipelines are designed and buried underground to carry gases at high pressures to our customers. Warning markers are planted near the pipeline to indicate its presence and warn third parties working in the area.

   Warning Marker

1)       The works owner and contractor must inform SOXAL in advance of their intention to work in the vicinity of 5m within SOXAL’s pipeline. Such works include those that are likely to affect the integrity of the pipelines.  

2)       The proposed work with construction drawings and method statement must be submitted to SOXAL for evaluation on the impact of the works on the pipeline. SOXAL will advice accordingly on the appropriate precautionary measures to be taken.  

3)       The works owner and contractor must obtain the drawings from SOXAL. The drawings obtained are not to be treated as ‘As-built’ and 100% accurate. It is at best used for reference only. The contractor must conduct his own due diligence in locating and verifying SOXAL pipeline. They are required to incorporate the pipeline into their construction drawings. SOXAL’s drawings should be treated as confidential. Do not disclose or forward them to others.  

4)       No permanent structures shall be designed and constructed above SOXAL pipelines.

1)      The works owner and contractor shall and must take all necessary precautions to prevent any damages to SOXAL pipelines during the construction stage. They must inform SOXAL before carrying out any excavation works near the pipeline.   It is important to report all damages to the pipeline, its accessories and its coating to SOXAL. Repair must be done immediately to prevent aggravation of corrosion to the pipeline at the location of damage and thus becoming a potential hazard.  

2)       Trial holes to prove the location of SOXAL pipelines must be informed and with the permit or presence of SOXAL personnel. The contractor’s competent personnel shall supervise the excavation works , monitor closely the pipeline depth based on the surveyor’s interpretation. Only hand excavation is allowed within 0.5m of the pipeline.  

3)       Do not shift or remove warning markers indicating the existing of SOXAL pipeline at site without SOXAL’s approval. The contractor must protect them from being damaged or tempered. Additional temporary warning markers shall be installed to warn others of the pipeline’s presence.  

4)       For deep tunnelling and shaft excavation works, ground consolidation could occur due to ground water losses resulting in surface settlement. This settlement can potentially induce excessive stress on the pipeline. The contractor shall conduct mandatory risk assessment to assess the impact of tunnelling on the surrounding area.  

To monitor the surface settlement, surface monitoring points shallbe installed along the pipeline alignment at every 10m intervals for at least 100m pipe length from the tunnel or shaft. The settlement must be regularly monitored while excavation or tunnelling works are being carried out.   

A differential settlement of 20mm will require all parties involved to assess the ground consolidation and evaluate the need to implement measure to arrest the consolidation. A thorough stress analysis of the pipeline must be done by a Profession Engineer, if the differential settlements reach 60mm.   

Depending on the findings of the analysis, measures must be taken to relieve the pipeline from the stress.  

5)       For major works that span over a long period of time, the owner and contractor shall hold monthly meetings to update SOXAL on the progress and any changes to their works.   

6)    For any new development surrounding the SOXAL pipeline, the developer must inform the property owner on the location of the pipeline within their premises and draw up measures to prevent any possible damage to it. Pipeline within a fenced compound must be accessible to SOXAL for patrolling and any maintenance works as and when required.