Glasgow factory explosion: investigation highlights issues that need considering

The UK Health & Safety Executive has welcomed the completion of a criminal prosecution which arose out of an investigation into the explosion and building collapse at the ICL site in Maryhill, Glasgow on 11 May 2004.

ICL Plastics Ltd have been fined £200,000 at the High Court at Glasgow, having earlier pleaded guilty to a breach of Section 2 and Section 4 of the Health and Safety at Work Etc Act 1974, and associate company, ICL Tech Ltd have been fined £200,000 after pleading guilty to a breach of Section 2 and Section 3 of the Health and Safety at Work Etc Act 1974.

Stewart Campbell, HSE Director Scotland said:

"Our first thoughts remain with the families and friends of those who died, and the many other people who were injured in this tragic incident.

"The scale, complexity and challenge of our investigation was massive, and was pursued through an innovative joint investigation involving HSE/HSL, Strathclyde Police and Crown Office and the Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS). The investigation necessitated effective co-ordination and co-operation between the investigators and the commitment of substantial resource. HSE/HSL drew on their investigative and forensic expertise to identify the cause of the explosion as a leak from a corroded pipe carrying Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). The LPG then accumulated in an unventilated room, and the ignition of this LPG caused an explosion of sufficient force to cause the building to collapse."

Mr Campbell continued:

"It is important for all those affected by the explosion that lessons are learned and I would like to remind all users and suppliers of LPG of the risk from buried pipes carrying LPG, particularly when located near areas where gas can accumulate. Everyone should ensure that problems which are out of sight are not out of mind. The dangers posed by buried pipes can be overcome by a systematic approach to risk management and the findings of the investigation reinforce the need for effective arrangements for the maintenance, renewal or repositioning of buried pipes. HSE strongly advises that buried metallic pipes are effectively corrosion protected and maintained, or replaced either with over ground pipes or buried plastic pipes constructed and installed to the appropriate standards."

The approach HSE recommends to employers who use LPG is:

* Make sure that problems which are out of sight are not out of mind.
* Ask - do you have a LPG supply?
* If you have LPG -where does the pipework go?
* If sections are buried - is it metal and is it protected?
* If it is not protected against corrosion, then its condition should be urgently assessed, and if necessary the pipework taken out of use.
* If you have corrosion-protected buried metal pipework, you need competent advice on a scheme of inspection and maintenance;
* But this may not be easy (competent advice may be difficult to obtain, or pipes may be buried in an awkward position), so two simpler options should be considered - put pipes above ground, OR replace metal piping with plastic piping and mark clearly (plastic pipe will have a normal life expectancy and can then be replaced);
* Remember that the problem is worse and needs an enhanced precautionary approach if buried pipework is near low areas where gas can accumulate.

All UK-based commercial/industrial users of bulk LPG should already have been approached by their suppliers and provided with a guidance leaflet; if you have not been, then contact your LPG supplier.

•Date: 31st Aug 2007• Region: UK •Type: Article •Topic: ManufacturingBC
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