The Offshore Installations (Emergency Pipe-line Valve) Regulations 1989

Location of emergency shut-down valves

6.—(1) Every emergency shut-down valve shall be located in a position in which it can be safely and fully inspected, maintained and tested.

(2) In the case of a riser which serves a fixed installation, the emergency shut-down valve shall, so far as this is consistent with paragraph (1) above, be located–

(a) if part of the riser is located within a water-filled encasement, above the highest possible level of the water in the encasement;

(b) if part of the riser is located within an air-filled encasement, in that part; and

(c) in any other case, above the level on the riser of the highest wave crest which may reasonably be anticipated.

(3) In the case of a riser which serves a floating installation, the emergency shut-down valve shall, so far as this is consistent with paragraph (1) above, be located–

(a) if part of the riser is held under tension from the associated installation, as near as practicable to the flexible pipe which links that part with the part of the riser which is on the installation; and

(b) in any other case, above both the level on the riser of the highest wave crest which may reasonably be anticipated and any quick-disconnect fittings.

(4) Subject to paragraphs (1) to (3) above, every emergency shut-down valve shall be located so that the distance along the riser between the valve and the base of the riser is as short as reasonably practicable.