Launched with a bang
Page 16
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• A dramatic demonstration in which a van carrying a gas cylinder exploded in a massive fireball has been used by the Health and Safety Executive to launch a government campaign for the safe transportation of liquid petroleum gas.
The demonstration, at the HSE's research centre in Buxton, Derbyshire last week, was preceded by graphic accounts of two real accidents.
In Worley in 1987, a propane gas cylinder exploded in a van and shot into a pub car park, killing a 12-year old boy playing there and injurying two others. The contractor was fined 15,000.
In the same year, a van carrving 100 LPG cylinders exploded in a small Welsh town, hurling one cylinder 200 metres into the air.
The HSE is particularly worried about small operators and tradesmen who may be transporting cylinders unsafely: "There is a measure of ignorance", says Dr Allan Sefton, head of the HSE's Hazardous Transport National Interest Group. "Some operators do not understand the potential dangers."
The campaign will be backed by 500 factory inspectors who will check relevant vehicles and premises.
Every year the HSE receives reports of about 50 incidents involving LPG cylinders. Prosecutions can result in unlimited fines and up to two years in prison.
A leaflet, Transport of LPG cylinders by road, has been published by the HSE. It includes advice on testing for gas leaks and recommends carriage on open vehicles with a fire extinguisher on board.
Contact 01-221 0870.