RR945 - Potential for leaks of LPG from underground pipes into caravans and park homes
A key factor leading to the fatal explosion at ICL Plastics Ltd was corrosion of underground metallic service pipework carrying LPG into the factory building. Leaking of LPG from the corroded pipe into the building with its subsequent ignition resulted in the explosion. A programme to replace buried metallic service pipework with pipework made from non-corrosive materials such as polyethylene at industrial and commercial premises is currently underway. The replacement of such pipework supplying LPG to communal buildings at Residential Home and Holiday Parks forms part of this programme. This report considers ventilation requirements for caravans and park homes which have a skirt installed to enclose the volume underneath them. The amount of ventilation required is considered in relation to the possibility of LPG leaking into the space under the caravan/park home due to corrosion of any underground LPG service pipe which rises under it.
This report and the work it describes were funded by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Its contents, including any opinions and/or conclusions expressed, are those of the author alone and do not necessarily reflect HSE policy.
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