Health and Safety Executive

Table GS1

Incidents relating to the supply and use of flammable gas (a) 2004/05 - 2008/09p

2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09p
Number of incidents (b) Explosion/fire 37 28 22 31 28
Carbon monoxide poisoning 110 119 115 147 181
Other Exposure 7 2 - 12 8
Total 154 149 137 190 217
Number of fatalities Explosion/fire 2 4 2 2 2
Carbon monoxide poisoning 18 16 10 13 15
Other Exposure 1 - - 3 1
Total 21 20 12 18 18
Number of non-fatalities Explosion/fire 42 29 27 37 29
Carbon monoxide poisoning 203 210 184 191 276
Other Exposure 5 2 - 10 5
Total 250 241 211 238 310

Notes:

  • (a) Mainly piped gas but also includes bottled LPG
  • (b) An incident can cause more than one fatality or injury
  • p Provisional

Source: RIDDOR (The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995). Regulation 6(1) places a duty on certain conveyors of gas (including LPG), to notify HSE of an incident involving a fatal or major injury that has occurred as a result of the distribution or supply of flammable gas. HSE endeavours to accurately collate all information relating to fatal gas 6(1) incidents (whether investigated by HSE or not). The figures for number of 'incidents' and 'non-fatalities' are however "as reported" to HSE and are therefore reliant upon the quality of information supplied by the notifier. Such reports are submitted at an early stage of an incident, e.g. perhaps before a gas appliance is confirmed as the cause or when carbon monoxide poisoning is 'suspected' rather than medically diagnosed. These factors will account for some of the year-on-year variation in the figures.


Quick links

Ask an expert 0845 345 0055

Health and Safety Executive
Caerphilly Business Park
Caerphilly CF83 3GG

Directgov - Business Link

Updated 02.11.09