§ Mr. Shepherdasked the Secretary of State for Employment what are the regulations covering the storage of gas canisters in retail premises; and whether he is satisfied that they provide for a sufficient margin of safety.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerI am advised by the Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that there are no specific regulations covering the storage of gas canisters in retail premises. Control over such storage at places of work is at present exercised under Sections 2 and 3 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, and the issue of prohibition and improvement notices under Sections 21 and 22 of that Act. These powers appear to be adequate to deal with any immediate risk to employees or the public. The Health and Safety Executive has published a code of practice and anyone storing cylinders or cartridges of liquified petroleum gas482W should consult the code of practice for the keeping of LPG in cylinders and similar containers. The Commission has already agreed that the Health and Safety Executive should review the whole field of legislation on flammable liquids and gases with a view to proposing a comprehensive pattern of legislation in this field. This review may show that there is a need for specific regulations.