Gas Distribution Worker

Also known as:

Labourer, Gas Distribution
Pipe Layer, Gas

Introduction

Gas distribution workers help to distribute the gas supply to consumers in homes, factories, shops, offices and many other types of building throughout the UK.

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Work Activities

Gas distribution workers are involved in three main areas: network maintenance, network development and emergency services. They have a wide range of duties within these main areas. They usually work as part of a team, with one of them qualified as a team leader.

In network maintenance, gas distribution workers may work on a transmission and distribution plant. They help to monitor, service and repair all the equipment and structures used to transport gas, for example, pressure reduction equipment, gas conditioning units, storage vessels, pipes, instruments and meters. Maintenance work includes making and breaking joints, lifting, cleaning and replacing parts and carrying out routine site inspections, checking for any faults in equipment.

In network development, distribution workers may lay, connect, disconnect and test pipes. They also repair pipes and joints, and install equipment to control the pressure of gas.

Distribution workers respond to emergencies. They must respond very quickly, visiting customers' premises to diagnose faults and to make the area safe.

In all their activities, distribution workers may use mobile and mechanical equipment, including lifting equipment, pneumatic equipment and mini excavators.

Gas distribution workers may have some driving duties, especially if they are part of an emergency service. They have to be prepared to work outside in bad weather. Protective clothing is usually worn.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

You should enjoy solving problems and have good technical and manual skills. You should be able to follow technical instructions and understand and interpret diagrams.

The ability to work as part of a team is very important and you will need good communication skills to work with managers, team leaders, site managers and members of the general public. You will need basic number skills to check meters and instruments.

You must be able to follow safety procedures and have a responsible attitude.

You should not mind working outside in all weathers. You need to have a reasonable level of fitness as some bending and lifting could be required.

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Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Gas distribution workers earn in the range of £300 - £380 a week, rising to £480 - £590.

Gas distribution workers usually work a 39-hour week. Irregular hours are not unusual and late finishes, weekend work and 'on-call' availability may all be required.

Employers throughout the UK are firms involved in gas transportation, service and distribution, such as Transco, Scotia Gas Networks, Scotland Gas Networks and Scottish Power.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Applicants with relevant skills and abilities gained, for example, in engineering construction work, have an advantage.

Employers are likely to look for a good level of knowledge and understanding, and some may insist on evidence provided by related SVQs or other qualifications.

Modern Apprenticeships may be available in some areas.

• 2% of people in occupations such as gas distribution worker work part-time.
• 3% have flexible hours.
• 2% of employees work on a temporary basis.

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