Nine people died and thirty three people were injured following an explosion at ICL Plastics, Glasgow in 2004. The explosion was caused by a leak of liquid petroleum gas (LPG) from pipe-work that connected the building to the gas storage tank. The pipe-work was buried and had rusted, allowing a leak to occur and the gas to explode.
An inquiry was held into the explosion and a number of recommendations were made including implementation of a pipe-work replacement programme. A national campaign is now being undertaken by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and local authorities to review premises with LPG tanks with buried pipe work to ensure their safety.
If you use LPG from a bulk storage tank and the supply pipe from the tank to your premises is buried underground then you need to take action
The HSE has produced an information leaflet which highlights the issues and occupiers’ responsibilities around buried metallic pipe-work
For further advice of information, please call:
Leeds City Council’s Health and Safety Section – 0113 2477791
Health and Safety Executive – 0113 2834200