Bulk LPG service pipework

The premises owner is usually responsible—but confirm the written boundary first

The LPG supplier may own the tank and some fittings without owning the pipe that runs to the factory. Check the supply contract, lease, pipework route and maintenance record before allocating inspection or repair work.

Updated 22 July 2026 · HSE service-pipework guidance · UK commercial enquiries

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The direct answer

Responsibility follows ownership, the contract and the actual installation boundary

HSE says the owner of LPG service pipework must ensure it is regularly inspected and maintained. That owner is likely to be the premises owner, not the LPG supplier, even where a supplier originally installed the pipe. "Likely" matters: verify the documents for this site.

1. Identify ownership

Read the supply contract and lease

Ask the supplier to mark its equipment boundary in writing. If the factory is rented, check whether the landlord owns the pipework or has passed specific maintenance duties to the occupier.

2. Identify the asset

Map the pipe from tank to building

Record the tank, regulators, valves, service pipework, building entry, emergency control and internal installation. Ownership can change at a defined point rather than applying to the entire system.

3. Identify the duty

Do not leave a maintenance gap

The operator should obtain evidence showing who inspects each part, what competence is required, when it was last checked and when the next action is due.

This guide explains the usual HSE position; it does not determine a disputed contract or lease. Obtain site-specific legal or engineering advice where responsibility remains unclear.

Draw the boundary before booking

Four parts of the installation may not have the same owner

Storage equipment

Tank and supplier fittings

The bulk tank and some associated equipment may remain supplier-owned. Confirm which valves, regulators and protective equipment the supply agreement includes.

External service

Pipe to the factory

HSE says this pipe is most likely owned by the premises owner. Record whether it is above or below ground, metallic or non-metallic, and low or medium pressure.

Building entry

Riser, sleeve and isolation

The entry arrangement must be protected and should not provide a route for escaping LPG into cavities or unventilated spaces. Include the changeover point in the site plan.

Inside the premises

Installation and appliances

Internal pipework, appliance connections, ventilation, flues and process equipment require their own maintenance and competence scope. A tank visit does not automatically cover them.

A hidden pipe can create a visible risk

Buried metallic pipework needs a planned, competent assessment

Do not rely on an intact-looking surface route

Corrosion can develop below ground. HSE and the LPG industry strongly advise replacing underground metallic service pipework with suitable non-corroding pipework, such as polyethylene, where appropriate.

A leak or pressure test describes conditions at the time of the test; it does not guarantee long-term integrity. The inspection strategy should consider material, corrosion protection, age, route, pressure, nearby voids or buildings, vehicle traffic and possible excavation damage.

Do not excavate, strike, move or temporarily repair LPG pipework to investigate it yourself. Provide drawings and photographs that can be obtained without disturbing the installation.

Inspection is installation-specific

The competent person sets the inspection approach and interval

Condition and history

Start with what is known

Provide material, installation date if available, pressure, previous inspection reports, leak-test results, corrosion protection, alterations, damage and any supplier correspondence.

Route and consequences

Consider where gas could travel

Record buried sections, unventilated spaces, basements, ducts, traffic routes, heat sources, building entry points and places where escaping LPG might accumulate.

Workplace competence

Match the person to the setting

HSE distinguishes factories from many premises covered by the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations. Confirm the proposed person's training, experience, knowledge and competence for this LPG installation.

Written next action

Keep an auditable decision

Record the scope completed, limitations, defects, immediate precautions, recommended repair or replacement, next inspection basis and the party responsible for authorising the work.

Prepare a usable enquiry

Send the site boundary and evidence before asking for attendance

"Pipe between tank and factory" is not a complete work scope. The details below help establish whether the enquiry concerns supplier equipment, service pipework, internal installation, inspection, leak investigation, repair or replacement.

Suspected escape of LPG

Contact the supplier immediately—do not submit a routine quote request

Act only where it is safe

If safe, isolate the supply, extinguish flames, avoid electrical switches and move people away from danger. Contact the LPG supplier using the emergency details displayed for the installation.

If there is fire, an uncontrolled release, immediate danger or any doubt, evacuate and call 999. Do not turn the supply back on until the leak has been dealt with by a competent person.

Upkeepone's ordinary enquiry route is not an emergency reporting service.

Commercial LPG enquiries

Send the postcode and scope before availability is assumed

Regular work covers London, Essex and Kent. Hertfordshire, Surrey, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Sussex can be considered when the right LPG trade is available. Other UK areas are considered by request after the installation, responsibility boundary and required competence have been checked.

London LPG servicesEssex LPG servicesKent LPG services

Continue with the closest service route

Separate service pipework from appliance certification

Commercial LPG inspection and certificateUK LPG certificate and inspection hubHow to check an LPG installerLPG booking-details checklist

Primary UK sources

Confirm the responsibility and inspection route at source

HSE: service pipeworkOwnership, routes, pressure, inspection, maintenance and building entry.HSE: pipework replacement programmeWhy buried metallic LPG pipework is prioritised for replacement.HSE: gas safety for employersWorkplace competence, maintenance and the LPG emergency route.Liquid Gas UK: factory pipework responsibilityIndustry guidance on consumer ownership and the need to inspect and replace pipework.

Ownership, competence and maintenance questions

Factory LPG pipework FAQs

Who is normally responsible for the LPG service pipework to a factory?
HSE says the service pipework is most likely owned by the person or organisation that owns the premises using the LPG, rather than the LPG supplier. The owner of the pipework is responsible for arranging inspection and maintenance. Check the LPG supply contract, lease and site records because the tank, pipework and premises may have different owners.
Does the LPG supplier own the pipe because it installed it?
Not necessarily. HSE notes that service pipework is normally not owned by the LPG supplier even when a supplier originally installed it. Ask the supplier to confirm its equipment boundary in writing and compare that answer with the supply contract, lease and any site plan.
What is LPG service pipework?
HSE uses service pipework for the pipe that carries LPG vapour from a bulk storage tank towards the building. It is distinct from the storage tank and from pipework and appliances inside the premises, although the precise ownership and maintenance boundary must be confirmed for the individual installation.
Who is responsible when the factory occupies rented premises?
The answer may depend on the lease, the LPG supply contract and who owns the service pipework. HSE says the pipework owner could be the landlord where premises are rented. The occupier should not assume the landlord or supplier has arranged inspection; obtain a written responsibility and maintenance record from the relevant parties.
How often should LPG service pipework be inspected?
There is no safe universal interval for every installation. HSE says a competent person should review the pipework and establish how long it can be used safely before the next inspection, considering its material, route, pressure, condition, previous inspection and any work completed.
Why is buried metallic LPG pipework a concern?
Buried metallic pipework can corrode without the deterioration being visible from the surface. HSE and the LPG industry strongly advise replacing underground metallic pipework with suitable non-corroding material such as polyethylene where appropriate. The assessment and any excavation or replacement should be planned by competent people.
Does a pressure or leak test prove buried pipework is safe for years?
No. HSE explains that tests can show the condition or tightness at the time of the test but cannot guarantee the pipework's longer-term condition. The inspection strategy must consider material, corrosion protection, age, route, nearby buildings and possible disturbance.
Does the person inspecting factory LPG pipework have to be Gas Safe registered?
Factories fall under a different competence route from many shops, restaurants, schools and domestic premises. HSE says work in factories must be carried out by a competent person, while work within domestic, residential or sleeping accommodation must be completed by a Gas Safe registered engineer. The proposed person must be competent for the exact LPG work and setting.
What information should a factory send before requesting pipework assistance?
Send the site postcode, LPG supplier, supply contract boundary, tank and regulator details, pipe material, route and pressure if known, building entry point, site drawing, last inspection, maintenance history, reported defects, access restrictions and the precise output required. Do not excavate or disturb pipework to obtain photographs.
What should we do if we suspect an LPG leak?
Treat it as an emergency rather than a routine inspection request. If safe, shut off the supply, extinguish flames, avoid electrical switches and evacuate people from danger. Contact the LPG supplier immediately. If there is fire, an uncontrolled release or any doubt about safety, leave the area and call 999. Do not restore the supply until a competent person says it is safe.

Need the enquiry assessed?

Send the contract boundary, pipe route, history and required output

Upkeepone can review the information supplied and check whether the requested commercial LPG scope can be routed to an appropriate trade. An enquiry does not confirm ownership, availability, price or that one attendance can cover every part of the installation.

Call 0207 127 5128Call 01245 206422Send factory LPG details

Suspected LPG leaks must follow the supplier or emergency route above.