Gas network safety management

Under the Gas Supply Act 1996 and the Gas Supply (Safety and Network Management) Regulation 2008 all Network Operators are required to lodge a Safety and Operating Plan (SOP) with the Director-General of Industry & Investment NSW.

The Regulation requires that the SOP must comply with the requirements set out under Schedule 1 of the Regulation. The Regulation also requires that Network Operators monitor their individual performances and procedures by conducting periodical independent third party audits of their individual Safety and Operating Plans.

The Auditor is required to certify that the SOP complies with the requirements of the Regulation and the Network Operator must lodge the Auditor's Report and Certificate with the Director-General of the Department. The Network Operator is required to specify how and within what timeframe they will address any issues found by the Auditor.

The Auditor's Report and Network Operator's proposed corrective actions are reviewed by the Department to ensure that the network's safety performance remains acceptable.