Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG)

In June 2009, the HSE agreed a comprehensive programme with the UK LPG suppliers for buried metal pipe work to be replaced with newer and more robust plastic pipes. Businesses with buried metallic service pipework, which can corrode over time, were required to replace it with more durable materials, such as polyethylene. The oldest buried metallic service pipework in the least well-maintained condition and located in the most corrosive soils was targeted first.

The programme was in put in place after Lord Gill’s report of the public inquiry into the explosion at ICL Plastics Ltd in Maryhill, Glasgow in May 2004, found many weaknesses in the safety regime in existence at that time. The explosion was caused by an LPG leak and killed nine people and injured many more. LPG had leaked from an on-site underground metal pipe into the basement of the factory and ignited, causing an explosion which led to the collapse of the four-storey Victorian factory. Lord Gill proposed a new regime for the use of LPG in industrial and commercial premises.

The HSE gas micro-site includes information about the safe use of LPG.

The ICL Inquiry Report and the government’s response can be found on the gov.uk website.