ICL-4 Response Not Accepted Self-assessed

Independent Risk Assessment Audit

Recommendation

The current risk assessment system should be improved by the addition of an independent audit process.

Published Evidence Summary
The following publicly available evidence relates to this recommendation:
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), despite initial government opposition to mandatory independent audits of all risk assessments, an Expert Panel was established in 2010 to independently review the progress of the pipework replacement programme. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), this panel recommended revised priorities and timescales for pipework replacement, which the government accepted, enhancing independent oversight of the safety programme. 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
Not Accepted
Not Accepted Health and Safety Executive
18 Mar 2010

Stakeholders were strongly opposed (78%) to mandatory independent audits of all risk assessments. A significant majority (62%) were also opposed to such measures for LPG only. The Government does not consider that the case has been made for the introduction of mandatory independent audits of all workplace risk assessments. The measures proposed in this response for LPG installations mean that independent audit is also not required. (Cm. 7849, paras 30-38)

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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

Independent risk assessment audit processes enhanced. Expert Panel established in 2010 to independently review progress of the pipework replacement programme and recommend revised priorities and timescales.

View detailed findings

The Expert Panel reviewed progress and recommended revised Priority 1 (medium pressure carbon steel pipework aged 10+ years with specific risk factors, by end 2015) and Priority 2 (remaining carbon steel pipework, by end 2020). Government accepted these recommendations.

Annex 1: High Level Plan to replace LPG buried me… 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
Quality and safety oversight Risk Assessment Audit LPG Safety
Recommendation age 16.7 yrs
Last formal update 3736 days ago