Advice for Commercial and Industrial users of LPG

The risks associated with using LPG were highlighted by the explosion in May 2004 at a Glasgow plastics factory which resulted in the deaths of nine people and injuries, some critical, to 33 more. The explosion was caused by a leak, into the basement of the factory, of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from a corroded underground metal pipe. When the leaked LPG ignited, the explosion caused the four-storey factory to collapse.

In response to the report of the investigation into the accident a plan for the replacement of underground metallic service pipework carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in England, Scotland and Wales has been agreed between the industry representative body, UKLPG and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Replacement work has already started and once a survey to prioritise premises is finished, this will be ramped up.

Businesses with buried metallic service pipework, which can corrode over time, will be 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 will be targeted first. Higher risk pipework is targeted to be replaced by the end of 2013.

Responsibility for ensuring the safety and maintenance and replacement of LPG service pipework will normally rest with site operators – including landlords, site owners or business directors – although it can also fall to gas suppliers if they own the pipe.

Users will already have included the risks from LPG in their risk assessments and will have in place control measures to manage the risks. However, if there is any doubt about the condition, and consequently safety, of their metallic service pipework users are recommended to take measures to have it assessed with a view to replacement.