AN inquiry into a fatal factory explosion has heard how underground pipework was not considered a risk by safety inspectors who visited the site before the blast.

Health and safety bosses were alerted to an ill-placed gas tank at the ICL Plastics factory in Glasgow but corroded underground pipes went unchecked.

Nine workers were killed when a build-up of gas in the basement ignited, reducing the plant to rubble on May 11, 2004.

Retired factory inspector John Ives said underground pipes were not a priority for Health and Safety Executive (HSE) staff visiting ICL in the early 1980s.

He told investigators after the blast: "At that time I don't think any of us would have seen underground pipework causing any undue risk."

Under questioning by inquiry counsel Roy Martin QC, he said: "I do not recall it being raised as an inspection priority along with other issues in those years.

"I'm not saying pipework was ignored, I'm saying in terms of relative priorities, the siting of the bulk tank seemed to be more important in the HSE's priorities."

Mr Ives said he did not recall two circulars issued to factory inspectors in 1980 and 1983 giving advice on checks to underground pipes.

The later note recommended that they were surveyed for leaks at least every three months and inspected every five years.

The inquiry before Lord Gill continues.