THE findings of an inquiry into the Maryhill factory blast which killed nine workers will be published later this month.

THE findings of an inquiry into the Maryhill factory blast which killed nine workers will be published later this month.

Former employees of ICL Plastics gave evidence at last year's hearing into the explosion at the Glasgow plant on May 11, 2004.

Thirty-three people were seriously injured in the blast, caused when a build-up of leaking gas ignited.

The public inquiry, held over two sessions in July and October, was told how no proper checks had been made on corroded pipework installed in the 1960s.

Chairman Lord Gill will make recommendations on how a similar tragedy can be prevented.

The judge delivered his report on Tuesday to Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill and UK Work and Pensions Secretary Yvette Cooper. It is likely to be published later this month.

Plant operators ICL Plastics and ICL Tech were previously fined £400,000 by the courts after admitting health and safety breaches.

Ms Cooper said: "I am very grateful to Lord Gill for his thorough report.

"The recommendations are for an improved safety regime for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) that seeks to minimise the risk of such an incident recurring in the future.

"The recommendations will be considered to see what can be done to ensure better understanding and maintenance of LPG installations in places of work."

Mr MacAskill said: "I would like to thank Lord Gill and his team for the way in which they handled this first joint inquiry. It is important we learn lessons from this tragic incident."

The inquiry was held at the Community Central Hall in Maryhill, close to the factory site.