The APGA Code of Practice for Upstream Polyethylene Gathering Networks in the Coal Seam Gas Industry (the Code) has been developed to provide guidance to all industry participants. It encapsulates the best techniques and methods currently available and is cross-referenced to relevant Australian and international standards wherever possible. The latest edition is Version 5.
The APGA Code of Practice for Upstream PE Gathering Lines in the 
CSG Industry was developed to meet the evolving needs of the industry in Australia by representative members of all sections of the industry and through the support of the Plastics Industry Pipe Association of Australia Ltd (PIPA).
Initially made available only to APGA and PIPA members, the APGA Board determined in 2017 that the Code should be available to all those involved in the coal seam gas industry so that the best technical guidance is always accessible.
Version 5 of the APGA Code of Practice for Upstream Polyethylene Gathering Networks in the Coal Seam Gas Industry was published in August 2019. There is an accompanying series of Companion Papers which will be published below as they become available. Feedback will be sought from the industry on the Companion Papers. To provide feedback, use the form.
The Code is referenced in Queensland legislation. Version 5 of the Code entered into Queensland legislation in November 2019.
Companion papers
A suite of companion papers is being developed to be used in conjunction with Version 5 of the APGA Code of Practice for Upstream PE Gathering Networks – CSG Industry as a means to document technical information, procedures and guidelines for good industry practice in the coal seam gas (CSG) industry.
These documents form part of the suite of documents together with the Code and are intended to:
- be used in the design, construction and operation of upstream PE gathering networks
- provide an authoritative source of important principles and practical guidelines for use by responsible and competent persons or organisations.
These documents should be read in conjunction with the requirements of the Code to ensure sound principles and practices are followed. These documents do not supersede or take precedence over any of the requirements of the Code.
Feedback on the companion papers is encouraged and can be provided via this online form.
Companion papers are available in the resources below if they are available. Remaining Companion Papers are expected to be published in 2019.
This is a list of Companion Papers and their availability. They can be downloaded only by clicking on the resources below.
CP-02-001 Competency (available)
CP-02-002 RPAS, UAS, Drone Awareness Guidelines (available)
CP-03-001 PE Material Selection and Quality (N/A)
CP-03-002 PEX and PERT (N/A)
CP-04-001 Design Factors (available)
CP-04-004 Design in Mine Subsidence Areas (N/A)
CP-04-005 Pressure Excursions and Surge (N/A)
CP-04-006 System Design Considerations (available)
CP-05-001 Safety in Construction (available)
CP-05-002 Ploughing (available)
CP-05-003 Trenchless Construction (available)
CP-05-004 Survey (N/A)
CP-06-001 Side Wall Fusion Welding (N/A)
CP-06-002 Guidelines for Welding Pipe in Previous Service (N/A)
CP-07-001 Inline Inspection (N/A)
CP-08-001 Alternatives for Exclusion Zone Minimisation (available). Please note: the three reports that outline the results of field testing experiments referred to in this Companion Paper are available to members only via the members only resource link below.
CP-08-002 Strength Test Equipment and Other Considerations (available)
CP-08-003 Leak Test Methods (available)
CP-11-001 Condition Assessment (available)
CP-11-002 Guidelines for Flow Stopping Techniques (available)
CP-11-004 Safety in Operations (available)
CP-11-005 Isolating, Purging and Commissioning (N/A)
CP-11-006 Reinforcement Clamps (N/A)
CP-11-007 Guidelines for Emergency Response (N/A)
