(Reference for a preliminary ruling– Approximation of laws– Directive 97/23

11By Order D3/Α’/oik.6598 of 20March 2012, the Secretary of State for the Environment, Energy and Climate Change approved the regulation on internal natural gas installations with an operating pressure of up to 0.5 bar and laid down the guidelines on the design, materials, installation, inspection, testing, safety and operation of internal systems and domestic gas installations (FEK B’ 976/28.3.2012) (‘the regulation of 20March 2012’).

12Paragraph1.2.4 of that regulation provides:

‘The method of installation of gas pipes does not fall within the scope of [Directive 97/23 or other] directives and is governed by the present regulation, taking into account the specific characteristics of the country (for example, earthquakes).’

13Annex9 to that regulation, entitled ‘Specifications for pipe systems’, provides, in pointP.9.5.6.9:

‘Pipe conduits in structural cavities

Where pipelines are installed in structural cavities, for example, in false ceilings, the cavity must be ventilated, for example via

–peripheral openings in the surrounding walls,

–two diagonally opposed ventilation apertures each measuring 20cm².

It is recommended that the system be welded and, if possible, protected by conduits.’

14PointP.9.5.8.2 of Annex9 to that regulation provides:

‘Gas pipe lines must not be placed within concrete slabs or within flooring. They may be installed in conduits, in cavities in a false ceiling or within a layer of sound insulation (or similar) above a false ceiling, provided measures are taken to protect them against corrosion as required for buried pipes.’