§ Mr. BowisTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment if the Health and Safety Commission has yet considered the proposals by the advisory committee on dangerous substances for future controls over flammable gases and liquids; and if he will make statement.
§ Mr. NichollsHaving received the advice of its advisory committee on dangerous substances, the Health and Safety Commission has decided to drop its proposed regulations on flammable gases and liquids in favour of an alternative approach, based on a series of practical initiatives aimed at specific hazards or risks. Emphasis will now be placed on updating or extending standards and guidance in close co-operation with industry on a number of issues, chiefly the keeping and use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in residential premises, controls for flammable liquids and the construction and operation of petrol filling stations. It is also intended to propose adjustments to the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1984, so that they cover all installations where LPG is supplied through fixed pipes.
The advisory committee noted that the Health and Safety Commission had already taken steps to meet concerns about standards of gas installation with two initiatives. The commission has published an approved code of practice, which comes into operation in August, concerning standards of training in safe gas installation. In consultation with the Council of the Confederation for the Registration of Gas Installers, it is developing proposals for an independent, broadly based representative body to promote safe gas installation. Mandatory registration of gas installers with such a body is among the proposals currently being considered.