A high-level plan for the replacement of underground metallic service pipework carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in England, Scotland and Wales has been agreed.

Industry representative body, UKLPG, met the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have agreed to the plan. Although replacement work has already started, once a survey to prioritise premises is finished, this will be ramped up from October 2009.

Businesses with buried metallic service pipework, which can corrode over time, will be required to replace it with more durable materials, such as polyethylene.

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The oldest buried metallic service pipework in the least well-maintained condition and located in the most corrosive soils will be targeted first. Higher risk pipework is targeted to be replaced by the end of 2013.

Rob Shuttleworth, UKLPG's Chief Executive said: "The plan agreed reflects the importance placed upon safety by the LPG industry, and its commitment to work with its customers and HSE to understand and prioritise the replacement of underground metallic pipework carrying liquefied petroleum gas to industrial and commercial premises."

The plan will be reviewed in light of the data from the prioritisation survey, progress on engineer resource availability and the publication of Lord Gill's report into the explosion at ICL Plastics Ltd in Glasgow in May 2004, which was caused by an LPG leak.

Responsibility for ensuring the safety and maintenance and replacement in industrial LPG pipework will normally rest with site operators – including landlords, site owners or business directors - although it can also fall to gas suppliers if they own the pipe.

(CD/JM)