New safety drive in wake of fatal ICL blast

Published on Thursday 18 March 2010 21:38

THE UK government yesterday announced measures to boost safety in the wake of a factory blast that killed nine people more than five years ago.

Work and Pensions Secretary Yvette Cooper announced the measures as the government published its response to a report into the explosion at the ICL Plastics factory in Glasgow.

In his inquiry report, Lord Gill said the blast, in May 2004, was an "avoidable disaster". Yesterday Ms Cooper said: "We are taking steps to strengthen gas safety on site."

The explosion, which also left 33 people seriously injured, was caused by a build-up of leaking gas from corroded underground pipes, which ignited. Ms Cooper said: "All commercial buried metallic liquefied petroleum gas pipework will be replaced."

The Health and Safety Executive believes this measure will "substantially reduce" the risks.

Work to replace these pipes with polyethylene models is already under way and it is hoped this will be completed in higher-risk premises by the end of 2013 and in all industrial and commercial properties by the end of 2015.

Ms Cooper spoke about other measures being taken, saying: "We will also take steps to raise awareness amongst LPG users of their responsibilities within the existing legislative framework."

She described the explosion as a "tragic and avoidable event" and said: "I would like to once again extend my condolences to the families and friends of those killed and injured in the factory explosion at ICL Plastics Ltd in Glasgow.

"I hope that the government response goes some way to addressing the concerns of those who have suffered as a result of this tragic event."

The Scottish Trades Union Congress welcomed the government response. General-secretary Grahame Smith said:

"I am sure that the families will welcome the comments regarding improved and more effective enforcement addressing a shortcoming in this particular case that the HSE have already acknowledged as falling short of their normal standards."