posted 23rd July 2024
The use of metal pipe underground for carrying LPG (Propane gas) has been illegal for some years.
Following a catastrophic incident at a factory in Scotland that resulted in several fatalities, a Government Enquiry resulted in the requirement that all underground metal LPG pipework should be replaced with plastic (MDPE) pipework. A risk-based timetable was introduced for replacement completion at all commercial, industrial and agricultural premises.
The timetable for all replacement work has now elapsed; all old metal pipework should by now have been replaced.
However, as can be seen in the photo, there are still sites that do not comply, and this is concerning for various reasons.
Firstly, it is within the powers of a HSE Inspector or local government Environmental Health Inspector to demand immediate compliance......and to issue a Prohibition Notice if necessary, which effectively closes the site until such remedial work has been completed.
Secondly, if there is a fire incident on your farm involving one of the poultry houses, your insurance company may decline your claim, citing the sub-standard LPG pipework.
Thirdly, your gas supplier may decline to fill the gas tanks until such remedial work has been completed.
It may be worth checking whether the pipework rising at the buildings or the gas tanks is metal, or whether it is plastic (usually protected with a grey GRP sleeve.)
If you have any doubts, please send us a photo of your pipework via our "Contact Us" page and we will give you free advice about upgrading and replacement.