An inquiry into an explosion at a plastics factory in Glasgow, which killed 9 people, concluded it to be "an avoidable tragedy".
The incident which occurred in May 2004 at ICL Plastics Ltd and its associate company ICL Tech Ltd also injured about 40 workers after the explosion flattened the factory in the Maryhill area of the city.
The inquiry found that the blast was undoubtedly caused by a leak from an old underground metallic pipe, which was carrying liquefied petroleum gas.
The pipe was corroded due to being buried without proper protection and the report found that the management of the two companies had shown a lack of understanding concerning LPG and the risk of explosion.
The report also mentioned that there were deficiencies in the HSE's oversight of the site with a failure to understand the risk of underground pipes and to promptly carry out the follow up visits.
Lord Gill, the inquiry chairman wrote: "This was an avoidable tragedy... Nearly five years after the explosion HSE has not produced a coherent action plan to deal with underground metallic pipework and the risk of a recurrence.
While the probability of another explosion may be low, the consequences of a similar event, should it occur, may be catastrophic. A sense of urgency would be an appropriate response to the serious issue of public confidence that this disaster has raised."
In 2007, ICL Plastics and ICL Tech pleaded guilty to four health and safety breaches and were fined £200,000 at the Glasgow High Court and were both fined £200,000.
The firms commented: "The ICL companies wish to express profound sadness and apologise for their omissions and the shortcomings of those who were responsible for the health and safety of the employees".
They continued: "The inquiry's analysis of the essential facts and crucial expert knowledge provides much needed answers and recommendations which will have an important bearing on the future."
Jim Murphy, Scottish Secretary said that the government will be providing a full response to the report in January: "What is clear from the report published today is that this disaster could and should have been avoided," he said. "It lays out a litany of failings and it is imperative that we take on board Lord Gill's recommendations for a better and more effective safety regime surrounding LPG installations to ensure an unnecessary and preventable fatal incident such as this never happens again."
The incident which occurred in May 2004 at ICL Plastics Ltd and its associate company ICL Tech Ltd also injured about 40 workers after the explosion flattened the factory in the Maryhill area of the city.
The inquiry found that the blast was undoubtedly caused by a leak from an old underground metallic pipe, which was carrying liquefied petroleum gas.
The pipe was corroded due to being buried without proper protection and the report found that the management of the two companies had shown a lack of understanding concerning LPG and the risk of explosion.
The report also mentioned that there were deficiencies in the HSE's oversight of the site with a failure to understand the risk of underground pipes and to promptly carry out the follow up visits.
Lord Gill, the inquiry chairman wrote: "This was an avoidable tragedy... Nearly five years after the explosion HSE has not produced a coherent action plan to deal with underground metallic pipework and the risk of a recurrence.
While the probability of another explosion may be low, the consequences of a similar event, should it occur, may be catastrophic. A sense of urgency would be an appropriate response to the serious issue of public confidence that this disaster has raised."
In 2007, ICL Plastics and ICL Tech pleaded guilty to four health and safety breaches and were fined £200,000 at the Glasgow High Court and were both fined £200,000.
The firms commented: "The ICL companies wish to express profound sadness and apologise for their omissions and the shortcomings of those who were responsible for the health and safety of the employees".
They continued: "The inquiry's analysis of the essential facts and crucial expert knowledge provides much needed answers and recommendations which will have an important bearing on the future."
Jim Murphy, Scottish Secretary said that the government will be providing a full response to the report in January: "What is clear from the report published today is that this disaster could and should have been avoided," he said. "It lays out a litany of failings and it is imperative that we take on board Lord Gill's recommendations for a better and more effective safety regime surrounding LPG installations to ensure an unnecessary and preventable fatal incident such as this never happens again."
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