A gas supplier at Mossmorran in Fife has been reprimanded for failing to demonstrate measures to prevent major accidents.
Avanti Gas Limited had not shown that safety systems installed to reduce the risk of major accident hazards association with a bulk storage vessel for LPG were adequately managed.
An improvement notice was served on the liquefied petroleum gas supplier by the Health and Safety Executive.
The HSE said that the company had failed to demonstrate all measures necessary had been taken to prevent major accidents and their consequences for human health.
The breach was committed at Avanti Gas’ loading terminal at Mossmorran, near Cowdenbeath.
It was stressed by the HSE, however, that the company’s premises are not part of Fife Ethylene Plant which is operated by ExxonMobil and Shell.
And Avanti Gas pointed out the notice did not mean anything dangerous had occurred.
A spokesperson said: “AvantiGas and its predecessor Shell have an exemplary, industry-leading, safety record at Mossmorran and we have operated the site for 25 years without any major accident.
“This is a direct result of the rigour of our safety procedures and the reliability of our technology.
“In the opinion of the HSE inspector, a weakness in the management of our low-integrity safety systems was identified.
“This refers to the way in which we qualify and manage sensors, logic solvers and actuators used to automate the plant.
“We will of course be making any necessary upgrade to remedy this as quickly as possible. The upgrade will mainly involve the generation of documentation to support this operation.
“The improvement notice does not mean that the HSE has found anything that could be identified as dangerous practice.
“Had there been any immediate danger a prohibition notice would have been issued and we would have been prosecuted, neither of which has occurred.”
Avanti Gas’ terminal at Mossmorran is one of two the company has in the UK.
From its network of distribution centres, it supplies LPG and energy solutions to business and residential customers across Scotland, England and Wales, including bulk gas, gas bottles, aerosol propellant and biomass.
It has been given a month to comply with the notice, which was served on July 4.
