Reports & recommendations
7 recommendations, each with the government response on the record. Filter by government response or delivery status.
Reports (1)
| Title | Volume | Publication Date | Recommendations | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The ICL Inquiry Report: Explosion at Grovepark Mills, Maryhill, Glasgow, 11 May 2004 | Final | 16 Jul 2009 | 7 |
Recommendations (7)
Replace Buried Metallic LPG Pipes
An urgent programme of replacement of buried metallic LPG pipework with polyethylene piping should be implemented.
The Inquiry recommended urgently replacing buried metallic liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) pipework with polyethylene. In August 2016, UKLPG and the Health and Safety Executive reported that suppliers had replaced pipework at approximately 4,500 priority 1 sites by 2015, but explained that longer deadlines applied to lower-risk pipes while regulators addressed remaining resistant customers (UKLPG and Health and Safety Executive, Aug 2016). HM Government had agreed in March 2010 that metallic service pipework in industrial and commercial premises should be replaced (Department for Work and Pensions response, Mar 2010). In August 2009, Judith Hackitt CBE, Chair of the executive, had initially planned to complete the replacement programme by the end of 2015 (Judith Hackitt, Aug 2009).
New LPG Safety Regime
A new safety regime should be put in place governing the installation, maintenance, monitoring and replacement of all LPG systems.
The Inquiry recommended establishing a new safety regime covering all liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) systems. In August 2016, UKLPG and the Health and Safety Executive reported that a sample installation record template had been developed, estimating that around 60% of commercial customers claimed to have an installation record (UKLPG and Health and Safety Executive, Aug 2016). That update addressed installation, while maintenance, monitoring, and replacement were not mentioned in the source (UKLPG and Health and Safety Executive, Aug 2016). Previously, in March 2010, HM Government (Department for Work and Pensions) stated that existing legislation already allowed the Inquiry's objectives to be achieved through improved guidance, compliance, and enforcement (Department for Work and Pensions response, Mar 2010).
LPG Supplier Registration
A new scheme should be introduced requiring all LPG suppliers to be registered and accredited.
The Inquiry recommended that all liquefied petroleum gas suppliers be registered and accredited. HM Government (Department for Work and Pensions) stated in March 2010 that it accepted the recommendation in principle and had asked the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to consult stakeholders on implementation options, ranging from a formal third-party accreditation scheme to a supplier charter of standards (Department for Work and Pensions response, Mar 2010).
Independent Risk Assessment Audit
The current risk assessment system should be improved by the addition of an independent audit process.
The Inquiry recommended adding an independent audit process to workplace risk assessments. In March 2010, HM Government (Department for Work and Pensions) stated that it "does not consider that the case has been made for the introduction of mandatory independent audits" of all workplace risk assessments (Department for Work and Pensions response, Mar 2010).
Polyethylene Piping Research
Research into the safety of polyethylene piping should be conducted to ensure long-term reliability.
The Inquiry recommended research into the safety and long-term reliability of polyethylene piping. In August 2016, UKLPG and the Health and Safety Executive reported that a review of literature and consultations with manufacturers had been unable to provide an adequate assessment of pipework lifetime under liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) use (UKLPG and Health and Safety Executive, Aug 2016). It stated that research assessing pipe samples that had carried LPG remained ongoing to inform future replacement and maintenance strategies (UKLPG and Health and Safety Executive, Aug 2016). HM Government had accepted the recommendation in March 2010, agreeing that sufficient knowledge of replacement materials was necessary (Department for Work and Pensions response, Mar 2010).
LPG Safety Communications
There should be prompt and effective communication between all interested parties of all technical developments in matters of LPG safety.
The Inquiry recommended prompt communication among all parties on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) safety. In August 2016, UKLPG and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reported that formal meetings to monitor pipework replacement continued three to four times a year and that regular monitoring would continue with a lighter touch, but communication of all technical developments to all interested parties is not mentioned in the sources (UKLPG and Health and Safety Executive, Aug 2016). Earlier, in March 2010, HM Government agreed that effective communication was vitally important to ensuring the continuing safety of small bulk installations (Department for Work and Pensions response, Mar 2010).
Legal Responsibility Awareness
Awareness of legal responsibilities should be raised among LPG suppliers and consumers.
The Inquiry recommended raising legal responsibility awareness among liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) suppliers and consumers. In August 2016, UKLPG and the Health and Safety Executive reported that they had delivered a communication programme to advise pipework owners of their responsibilities, noting a survey found 43% of commercial users were aware of their legal obligations (UKLPG and Health and Safety Executive, Aug 2016). The joint report described work directed at consumers, while measures addressing suppliers were not mentioned (UKLPG and Health and Safety Executive, Aug 2016). HM Government (Department for Work and Pensions) had accepted the recommendation in March 2010, stating that the executive would prepare practical advice for users in consultation with UKLPG (Department for Work and Pensions response, Mar 2010).