The intent of this Standard is to provide for the protection of the general public, gas distribution network operating personnel and the environment, and to ensure safe and reliable operation of gas distribution networks that reticulate gas to consumers. It covers steel piping within gas distribution networks covered by AS/NZS 4645.1, where the maximum allowable operating pressures up to or equal to 1050 kPa and the hoop stress is less than or equal to 20 percent SMYS of the pipe. Steel piping systems for gas outside these limits are generally covered by the AS 2885 suite of Standards and for some jurisdictions. AS/NZS 4645.1 provides for limited use up to 1965 kPa.