ICL-1 Response Accepted Self-assessed

Replace Buried Metallic LPG Pipes

Recommendation

An urgent programme of replacement of buried metallic LPG pipework with polyethylene piping should be implemented.

Published Evidence Summary
The following publicly available evidence relates to this recommendation:
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), a nationwide programme was implemented to replace buried metallic LPG service pipes with polyethylene, beginning in October 2009. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), this programme targeted higher-risk industrial and commercial premises for replacement by the end of 2015, with remaining carbon steel pipework (Priority 2) by the end of 2020, and also addressed domestic premises; and an Expert Panel was established in 2010 to review progress and revise priorities, and HSE conducted inspection campaigns to secure compliance. According to the available evidence, no further published evidence has been identified since 2015.
How was this assessed?
Assessed by gemini-2.5-flash on 19 Mar 2026
Checked data held on this site (government responses, progress updates, independent evidence)
External sources searched: www.gov.uk, www.gov.scot, www.legislation.gov.uk, hansard.parliament.uk
This recommendation requires implementation across many organisations. The assessment reflects central policy response, not adoption in individual organisations.
Jurisdiction
Scotland
Response
Accepted
Accepted Health and Safety Executive
18 Mar 2010

The Government recognises that corrosion of the underground metallic service pipe supplying the factory was the key factor that contributed to the explosion at ICL Plastics Ltd and agrees with Lord Gill that there should be a programme of replacement of such pipework in industrial and commercial premises. HSE working with UKLPG on prioritised replacement programme covering up to 40,000 premises. Higher-risk premises by end of 2013, all industrial and commercial premises by 2015. (Cm. 7849, paras 6-8)

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Progress Timeline
Official Report
31 Dec 2015

Implementation confirmed by HSE. All buried metallic LPG service pipe replacements completed by 2015 deadline.

Source
Published Evidence

Published assessments of implementation progress from inspectorates, select committees, official progress reports, and other sources. Check the source type badge to see whether each assessment is independent or government self-reported.

Confirmed Completed
31 Dec 2015
Health and Safety Executive Other

HSE implemented nationwide programme to replace buried metallic LPG service pipes with polyethylene. Programme began October 2009 with targets: Priority 1 premises (highest risk) by end 2015; Priority 2 (remaining) by end 2020.

View detailed findings

Following Lord Gill's recommendation, HSE worked closely with UK LPG industry to develop a high-level plan. An Expert Panel in 2010 revised priorities. HSE conducted a parallel inspection campaign with local authorities to secure compliance. Between 15,000-40,000 commercial and 24,000-54,000 domestic installations had buried metal pipework requiring assessment.

HSE Pipework replacement programme guidance, upda… View Source
Source
Inquiry ICL Inquiry
Report The ICL Inquiry Report: Explosion at Grovepark Mills, Maryhill, Glasgow, 11 May 2004 16 Jul 2009
View Source
Responsible Bodies
Health and Safety Executive Primary
Themes & Tags
Public Infrastructure Physical Hazards LPG Safety Infrastructure Pipework
Recommendation age 16.7 yrs
Last formal update 3736 days ago