Gas Network Infrastructure
NOC Request and Close Out Procedure
RAK Gas is a company owned by the Government of Ras Al Khaimah. Its local assets include a network of gas pipelines, pipeline junctions and stations where gas pressure is regulated and volumes are metered. These facilities transmit conditioned gas to industrial customers located across the emirate.
Given the pressures and extremely combustible properties of the gas, any threat to the integrity of the assets is taken very seriously by RAK Gas. A release of gas from these pipelines could result in a serious explosion resulting in loss of life, property damage and loss of production from local industy.
Hence it is very important for members of the public, businesses and other organisations to be able to identify the presence of a gas pipeline or associated infrastructure. RAK Gas infrastructure includes Stations at pipeline junctions, where pressure is changed as well as Pipelines.
Stations contain various pipes, manifolds, valves and meters and are fenced-off to prevent access. These areas are identified by clear signage stating that the facility is from RAK Gas and providing a contact telephone number in case of emergency. (see below a photo of a typical Station).
The Pipelines are typically buried and are identified by marker poles that are normally located every 100m along the pipeline route. Signage exists to identify the pipeline and provide an emergency contact number. Additionally, the pipeline will have Cathodic Protection (CP) measure posts located along the route. These are typically located every 750-1000m. (see photos below).
On no account should anybody approach the Stations or interfere with the Pipeline, signage or posts without the permission and supervision of RAK Gas staff. Pipeline routes are to be avoided by vehicles and damage to any of this infrastructure, including the marker poles and CP posts, should be reported immediately to RAK Gas at (Tel 07-2668344) or email [email protected]
Working near pipelines:
RAK Gas recognises that, from time to time, digging, construction and tunneling may be required near to these assets, for the purposes of road construction, installation of water pipelines, power cables etc. Such activities pose a clear threat to the integrity of the RAK Gas assets.To mitigate the risks listed above, RAK Gas manages a ‘No Objection Certificates’ (NOC) process covering any work being performed near to RAK Gas infrastructure. No activity near to Company owned infrastructure will be permitted unless a valid NOC, issued by RAK Gas, is held. It is expected that anybody intending to dig or tunnel within the RAK urban or industrial areas applies to RAK Gas for an NOC as well as anybody wishing to perform work of any sort near to known RAK Gas infrastructure. There is no guarantee that the pipeline markers are in-place and hence, only RAK Gas knows the full location of its pipelines.
Severe measures will be taken against any company or individual performing any form of work near to RAK Gas infrastructure without a valid NOC will be severe.
NOC Request Process
- Official Request letter on applicant company letterhead. This should clearly state the purpose and nature of the application and exactly what is requested for approval (e.g. if this is a follow-up application following the digging of a trial-pit, then this should be stated).
- Any other supporting documentation indicating Applicant company’s authority to perform work (e.g. contract award notification).
- Trade licence of Applicant.
- Method statement for proposed work.
- Map showing a satellite view of the area. Include labelling of any relevant features.
- Area plan showing relevant infrastructure in the location of the proposed work and including a scale and north indicator. This must include notes and labels indicating the proposed work to be performed.
- Cross-section of proposed work including scale and labels clearly illustrating the plans.
- Photographs of relevant details from the field. e.g. trial pits when dug.
BANK NAME: RAK BANK
BRANCH: Al Nakheel, Ras Al Khaimah
ACCOUNT No. (AED) : 0002105700001
IBAN NUMBER: AE63 0400 0000 0210 5700 001
SWIFT CODE: NRAKAEAK
RAK Gas will provide a receipt of payment and document submission once the application documents have been received and are deemed compliant.
The email should be clearly entitled : NOC Request & {name of the Project}
Once complete documentation is in place, RAK Gas Operations staff will liaise with the applicant to discuss the proposal and will perform a site visit if required. This may require various discussions and iterations in the applicant proposal until RAK Gas is satisfied.
Once RAK Gas is satisfied with the proposed plan, RAK Gas will issue an approved NOC to the applicant.
Only once the acknowledged version is returned to RAK Gas will the NOC be valid. Its validity period will be stated on the NOC.
