HSE issues warning about working in confined spaces after Norfolk welder electrocuted in ship's hold

Date:

27 March 2009

Release No:

HSE/E/159:09

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a warning to employers to ensure they plan properly for working in confined spaces after a Norfolk welder was electrocuted when the ship's hold he was working inside flooded with water.

Richards Dry Dock and Engineering Ltd appeared at Norwich Crown Court today (Friday, 27 March) and guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. The company, based in Southtown Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, was fined £25,000 and ordered to pay costs of £34,744.90.

The case related to an incident on 5 August 2005 when welder Kevin Hall (46), of Blofield, was working inside a confined space in the hold of The Putford Achilles. Two other welders were carrying out work above deck which caused water to inadvertently flow down and into the space below where Mr Hall was working. The hold then flooded and Mr Hall was electrocuted. The confined space combined with the threat of electrocution to others hindered his rescue and made subsequent attempts to save his life more difficult.

HSE Inspector John Claxton said:

"This death should make clear to all the extremely dangerous nature of the work in confined spaces. The procedures in place were inadequate for a known and well established risk and the incident was completely avoidable.

"Any work in confined spaces is extremely hazardous and proper precautions must always be taken at all times for this kind of work. Don't enter unless you absolutely have to. If you are going to enter a confined space then you must have fully trained staff, a documented system of work, atmospheric monitoring and emergency rescue arrangements. There may be no oxygen inside, or toxic gases may have built up. Or, as in this case, there may be risk of flooding and electrocution.

"The HSE wishes to make it clear that we expect the risks associated with this type of work to be properly managed in accordance with published guidance, whatever the size of the company. We will continue to take action against those who flout the law and put people's lives at risk."

There have now been eight deaths in confined spaces in the East of England since 2003.

Notes to editors

1. Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 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. Guidance on work in confined spaces can be found at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/confinedspace/index.htm

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