Stockline Plastics factory explosion facts for kids

On 11 May 2004, the ICL Plastics factory (commonly referred to as Stockline Plastics factory), in the Woodside district of Maryhill, Glasgow in western Scotland, exploded. Nine people were killed, including two company directors, and 33 injured, 15 seriously. The four-storey building was largely destroyed.

Cause

Ten weeks after the explosion, the site was returned to the owners, after tonnes of debris were removed from the site for detailed examination.

The cause of the explosion was initially unknown. Some press coverage reported eyewitness accounts of gas industrial ovens in the coating department exploding. This has since been shown as unlikely as the gas ovens used on site have been found intact.

Another theory investigated by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) was that there was no explosion. An article in The Scotsman newspaper of 5 October 2004 stated that the HSE was investigating the possibility that heavy machinery and pallets kept on the upper floors caused the floor to collapse, bringing the rest of the building down with it.

Other theories included a dust explosion and a build-up of methane beneath the building.

However the final report of the HSE indicated that the explosion was due to an ignition of gas released by a leak in a pressurised petroleum gas pipe.

The liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tank and pipes that had been installed beneath the factory in the late 1960s had corroded, allowing the gas to escape.

Confusion over name

Although regularly referred to as the "Stockline Plastics factory", largely due to the signage around the building (the "name over the door"), the factory was owned by ICL Plastics and much of the work that took place there was for ICL Tech (part of the same group of companies). The offices on the floors above were used by ICL Plastics, ICL Tech (formerly ICL Technical Plastics), and Stockline Plastics.

Stockline Plastics is a distribution company that is part of the same group of companies, and did not operate the factory.

Aftermath

The Grovepark Fund, established to help the families of those killed and injured in the blast, received a boost when the departing Celtic F.C. star, Henrik Larsson, announced that the shirt he wore in his farewell match against Seville on Tuesday would be auctioned in aid of the appeal. It was expected to attract bids of up to £10,000. It eventually sold for £1400.

A memorial service took place in the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on 4 July 2004. Another was held at Community Central Hall on 11 May 2005, one year on from the tragic event.

Prosecution

The Crown Office decided on 17 February to prosecute ICL Plastics Limited and ICL Tech Limited under the Health & Safety at Work Act following a report conducted by the Glasgow Procurator Fiscal and HSE.

The company was accused of:

• Failing to maintain pipes carrying hazardous gas;
• Failure to ensure the safety of staff and visitors; and
• Failing to carry out suitable and sufficient risk assessments.

The original hearing date of 12 December 2006 was postponed as "The timescale that the defence solicitors have been afforded for their preparation of the case has been significantly less [than the Procurator Fiscal's]".

The trial, which began on 13 August 2007, concluded on 17 August 2007, with the operators ICL Tech Ltd and ICL Plastics admitting to 4 charges in court.

On 28 August 2007 a fine of £200,000 was imposed on each of the two companies responsible (ICL Plastics Limited and ICL Tech Limited).

Public Inquiry

The ICL Inquiry took place in Maryhill Community Central Hall. It occurred after the criminal proceedings were concluded.

In December 2007, Lord Gill, Lord Justice Clerk was announced as Chair of the inquiry. The inquiry started on 2 July 2008, after extensive refurbishment work was carried out on behalf of the Scottish Courts Service to make the venue suitable for the public inquiry. The Crown, the victims' families, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and ICL are all represented. The inquiry examined over 20,000 pages of evidence and took place in two phases. The first was a factual enquiry into what occurred. The second stage, to look at causes and reasons, began in October 2008. The inquiry was chaired by Lord Gill. Roy Martin Q.C., a former Dean of the faculty of Advocates, was lead counsel for the inquiry.

In July 2009, Lord Gill's Report was published.

As well as being critical of the companies involved, it noted failings by the Health & Safety Executive's supervision and inspection regime. The Report contained various recommendations relating to proper safety protocols concerning the storage and use of liquid petroleum gas.

Memorial

In May 2007, a memorial garden was unveiled.