An e-mail alert has been received directing us to an HSE consultation on LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas). The consultation is based on recommendations of the Lord Gill report into the ICL Plastics Explosion (2004). The report proposes a new safety regime for the use of LPG in industrial and commercial premises, though some of the recommendations would apply more widely. One of these recommendations is that “Ministers should consider whether the existing regulations on risk assessment could be made more effective, perhaps by the addition of some form of independent safety audit (p141)” As the consultation document explains, the introduction of an independent safety audit would mean changing current practice. Logically, it would not just apply to the storage and use of LPG, but also to risk assessments performed for all workplaces and activities. One of these recommendations is that “Ministers should consider whether the existing regulations on risk assessment could be made more effective, perhaps by the addition of some form of independent safety audit” BWF is extremely concerned that if this recommendation were to be implemented, such a move may have far have reaching consequences in terms of cost and time to many of our members who are presently able to carry out risk assessments internally without recourse to the appointment of outside third-party consultants. Indeed much work has already been done to assist companies in carrying out this activity within the company. Concern has already been expressed that the focused nature of the consultation will keep it from entering many organisations’ consideration – possibly preventing many valid views/comments on (general) risk assessment audits from being raised. Whilst we must emphasise that this does not mean that the regulations regarding risk assessment will necessarily be amended, HSE is presently consulting in order to enable interested parties to give their views on the principles of the recommendations in the Gill Report. This will enable HSE to develop a more detailed, informed response to the report. Members’ views would be welcome on the following: Questions
1 What are your views on the introduction of some form of independent safety audit?
(a) for LPG?
(b) more generally? 2 What do you think are the practical implications of introducing an independent safety audit?
(a) for LPG?
(b) more generally? Members can view the consultation document by clicking on the following link