The energy regulator is refusing to disclose the results of tests carried out in the wake of last month’s gas-related incidents, saying the checks on gas supply equipment had already been in place before the incidents happened.

The tests had been announced in a joint statement issued on March 6 by the Regulator for Energy and Water Services and the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority.

The two watchdogs had pronounced themselves following safety concerns raised by the death of a 70-year-old man in a fire that started from a gas heater at his Msida residence.

During the same period, a 48-year-old man suffered grievous injuries in a fire at his home in Paola, while a commercial establishment in Qawra had to be evacuated, also due to a fire.

In their joint press release, the two regulators had notified the public that they had launched their own investigations, while noting that the three incidents seemed to be unrelated.

They had also announced that a number of checks were being carried out on gas supply equipment and systems, namely regulators and gas cylinders. Such procedure included inspections to establish if the product had undertaken all necessary compliance checks in line with EU legislation. Furthermore, these tests had to be backed up with physical product testing in an accredited laboratory.

The statement read that these tests were usually available in 15 days, subject to the availability of the laboratories.

A number of checks are being carried out on gas supply equipment

Apart from these checks, it had also been announced that inspections for structural integrity and leaks in gas cylinders would also be carried out.

“Additional checks will be carried out with immediate effect both on the quality controls being carried out in the filling plants and on the safety of the cylinders being placed on the market,” the two regulators had said.

Three weeks down the line Times of Malta enquired with the Regulator for Energy and Water Services on the outcome of this exercise and if any recommendations had been made to improve safety. However, a spokeswoman declined to give any details.

She insisted that the process described in the press release was a mechanism which had been in place as required by law and that such measures were not taken in reaction to recent reports of incidents. 

As for the cause of the three incidents which fuelled the concerns, it was pointed out that the one which resulted in a fatality was the subject of a magisterial inquiry and consequently the regulator declined to comment.

As for the other two cases the spokeswoman said that no further action was required after it transpired that both gas cylinders were found to be in order.

The regulator said it was advisable to ensure that domestic gas regulators were compliant with EN16129 standard and that the equipment, including the gas pipes, were replaced when due, as directed by the manufacturer.