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08/08/2002
Thermometer failure caused gas leak
The cause of the gas leak in Coalisland on Monday, which resulted in the evacuation of 200 homes, has been put down to a faulty thermometer on a gas tank.
The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) have confirmed that component failure was the cause of the liquid petroleum leak from a 30-tonne tank at Annaghmore Road, Coalisland.
John Francey, HSENI chief inspector, said that the escape of gas was due to the failure of a thermometer housing and not "catastrophic failure of the tank itself". He also stressed that there was no further danger to the health and safety of the public.
He added: "This component failure allowed liquid petroleum gas to issue from the storage tank through an opening approximately 15 millimetres in diameter.
"The mechanism of failure of the thermometer housing has not yet been determined. This will require a metallurgical examination which cannot be done until such time as the tank has been degassed and inerted. Whilst this investigation is ongoing, I can confirm that the storage tank does not pose any risk to the public's health and safety."
Police had to evacuate homes on Monday afternoon after residents reported a strong smell of gas in the neighbourhood.
A specially equipped fire crew was immediately dispatched to the scene. At the time, acting chief fire officer Colin Lammey described the incident as "very serious". Rain and fog helped dissipate a gas cloud on Tuesday morning.
Mr Francey said that he was impressed by the prompt and coordinated approach of the fire service, army and police.
(GMcG)
The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) have confirmed that component failure was the cause of the liquid petroleum leak from a 30-tonne tank at Annaghmore Road, Coalisland.
John Francey, HSENI chief inspector, said that the escape of gas was due to the failure of a thermometer housing and not "catastrophic failure of the tank itself". He also stressed that there was no further danger to the health and safety of the public.
He added: "This component failure allowed liquid petroleum gas to issue from the storage tank through an opening approximately 15 millimetres in diameter.
"The mechanism of failure of the thermometer housing has not yet been determined. This will require a metallurgical examination which cannot be done until such time as the tank has been degassed and inerted. Whilst this investigation is ongoing, I can confirm that the storage tank does not pose any risk to the public's health and safety."
Police had to evacuate homes on Monday afternoon after residents reported a strong smell of gas in the neighbourhood.
A specially equipped fire crew was immediately dispatched to the scene. At the time, acting chief fire officer Colin Lammey described the incident as "very serious". Rain and fog helped dissipate a gas cloud on Tuesday morning.
Mr Francey said that he was impressed by the prompt and coordinated approach of the fire service, army and police.
(GMcG)
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