ICL-4 Response Not Accepted

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:
The government has not accepted this recommendation.
Sources
Government response (2010-03-18): Not Accepted Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-government-response-to-the-icl-inquiry-report Text: 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 wor Progress update (2015-12-31): Completed Implementation confirmed by HSE. All buried metallic LPG service pipe replacements completed by 2015 deadline. Source: https://www.hse.gov.uk/gas/lpg/icl-inquiry.htm
How was this evidence gathered?
Evidence searched by baseline-data-v1 on 26 May 2026
Checked data held on this site (government responses, progress updates, independent evidence)
External sources searched: www.gov.uk
This recommendation applies across many organisations. The evidence above reflects central policy activity; adoption in individual organisations may vary.
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 progress from inspectorates, select committees, official progress reports, and other sources. Source type badge indicates 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 16.9 yrs
Last formal update 3804 days ago