HSE warns the textile industry to be aware of fire and explosion risks

HSE Press Release: E107:04 - 28 July 2004

Following the recent prosecution of Clarkson Textiles Ltd, of Nelson, Lancashire, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) issues a reminder to the textile industry, particularly companies working with flock or other dusty materials, to be aware of the risk of fire or explosion.

The prosecution followed an investigation by HSE into the serious injuries suffered by Pablo Magee, a stenter oven operative, during an explosion at the company's Lindred Road, Nelson, site on 21 January 2002.

The incident occurred immediately after a partial clean of a stenter oven had been completed. The excess flock dust remaining in the oven was drawn into the air when the oven's extractor fan was switched on and subsequently ignited on the oven's pilot light causing a fireball and explosion.

Following the prosecution HSE inspector Liz Evans said:

"Pablo Magee received serious burns to his arms and neck and has been unable to return to work. Despite being served an improvement notice in 1999 for housekeeping issues the company's cleaning regime had become erratic. They failed to keep work surfaces, including ovens, and walls sufficiently clean of viscose and flock dust. As a result of poor housekeeping an avoidable incident has occurred. There are lessons to be learnt here by all those who work with dusty materials."

Clarkson Textiles Ltd pleaded guilty to a charge under Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety At Work Act 1974 in that they failed to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all employees, including Pablo Magee. Clarkson Textiles was fined £9,000 and ordered to pay £11,110 costs, at Burnley, Pendle & Rossendale Magistrates Court, on Thursday 22 July 2004.

Notes to editors

1. Section 2(1) of the HSWA states: "It shall be the duty of every employer to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all his employees."

2. In a Magistrates' Court the maximum penalty for a single offence under Section 2(1) is a fine up to £20,000.

3. In the 12 months prior to the explosion there had been three fires on the company premises attended by Lancashire Fire Service.

4. The stenter oven, although partially cleaned on a weekly basis, had not had a full strip down clean since the previous July. Flock dust was present on the stairs, the mezzanine floor and on pipe work above the stenter.

5. Since the incident, the company has completely revamped its cleaning schedules, redesigned the flocking line and worked with the suppliers to produce a non-flammable flock.

6. Textiles Industry Advisory Committee guidance 'Fire precautions in the clothing and textile industries', ISBN 0 7176 1786 6, price £8.50, can be obtained from HSE Books

7. Further textile industry health and safety information can be viewed at http://www.hse.gov.uk/textiles/index.htm

Press enquiries

All enquiries from journalists should be directed to the HSE Press Office