Fatal gas explosion in bakery oven
HSE advises checking explosion relief panels
19 August 2009
As a result on an on-going investigation into a fatal gas explosion in a small bakery, HSE is issuing an alert to all users of direct-fired batch ovens with rear-acting explosion relief panels to ensure that:
- The explosion relief panel is free to operate;
- Any cladding panels over the explosion relief panel are only lightly retained and in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions; and
- There is adequate space at the rear of the oven for the explosion relief to operate as intended - this area must be kept as a no-go area and should be kept clear of stored materials and any other obstructions that might interfere with the correct operation of the explosion relief panel.
All bakeries, irrespective of size, are advised to check that the explosion relief panels on their ovens are free to operate properly without impediment or obstruction.
