17(1)Where a consumer uses gas for working or supplying a compressor, that is to say—
(a)an engine, gas compressor or other similar apparatus; or
(b)any apparatus liable to produce in any main of the public gas transporter a pressure less than atmospheric pressure,
he shall, if so required by the transporter by notice, fix in a suitable position and keep in use an appliance provided by him which will effectually prevent pressure fluctuation in the transporter’s pipe-line system and any other inconvenience or danger being caused to persons by reason that he and they are supplied with gas conveyed through the same system.
(2)Where a consumer uses for or in connection with the consumption of gas—
(a)any air at high pressure ( “compressed air ”); or
(b)any gaseous substance not conveyed by the public gas transporter ( “extraneous gas ”),
he shall, if so required by the transporter by notice, fix in a suitable position and keep in use an appliance provided by him which will effectually prevent the admission of the compressed air or extraneous gas into the service pipe or into any main through which gas is conveyed by the transporter.
(3)Where a person is required by this paragraph to keep in use any appliance, he shall at his own expense keep it in proper order and repair, and repair, renew or replace it if it is not in proper order or repair.
(4)A consumer shall not be entitled to use a compressor, or any apparatus for using compressed air or extraneous gas, unless he has given to the public gas transporter not less than 14 days’ notice of his intention to do so; but this sub-paragraph shall not apply to the use of any compressor or apparatus which was lawfully in use immediately before the appointed day.
(5)If a consumer makes default in complying with any provision of this paragraph, the public gas transporter may disconnect the consumer’s premises.
(6)The public gas transporter shall have power to disconnect, remove, test and replace any appliance which a consumer is required by this paragraph to keep in use; and any expenses incurred by the transporter under this sub-paragraph shall, if the appliance is found in proper order and repair, be paid by the transporter, but otherwise shall be paid by the consumer.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1Sch. 2B para. 17(1)(2) extended (8.11.1995 with effect as mentioned by Sch. 5 Pt. II para. 25 of the amending Act) by 1995 c. 45, s. 17(1), Sch. 5 Pt. II para. 25; S.I. 1996/218, art. 2