Stay safe when working with underground pipes

The Council aims to increase awareness of the dangers of underground metallic pipework corroding, allowing Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) to escape. As part of the initiative business owners within the Lisburn City Council area will receive a letter and advisory leaflet on this issue from their current LPG supplier.

“In addition, arrangements will be made by the Partnership for a Health and Safety Inspector to visit any premises, where underground pipework may be in place. The purpose of these visits will be to meet the user/employer in order to ensure that the appropriate steps are being taken to address any concerns.

Councillor Jenny Palmer, Chairman of the Council’s Environmental Services Committee, is encouraging all businesses in the City to check for LPG pipework’. “Lisburn City Council intends to increase awareness and understanding for business owners, ensuring they are aware of their responsibility to have their gas distribution in a safe condition,” said Mrs Palmer.

“For the health and safety of all staff, you need to ask yourself – Are any parts of the LPG piping buried? Are any buried parts of the pipework metallic? If metallic, does the pipework lack effective corrosion protection at any point along its length? If the answer to any of these questions is yes you need to contact your current LPG supplier.

“I would recommend making contact with your LPG supplier to discuss installation and to engage a competent Gas Engineer to implement an appropriate plan of action if necessary,” she concluded.

Throughout Northern Ireland all Council Environmental Health Units are working in partnership with the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) on this initiative to raise awareness of the risks associated with underground metallic LPG pipework.