Selby company fined after explosion injures worker

Date:

23 June 2010

Release No:

YH/180/10

A worker at a company providing anti-corrosion solutions to industry was severely injured when a build up of gas vapour in a road tanker exploded a court heard.

The employee, who does not wish to be identified, suffered a fractured skull and severe burns to the legs arms and face when gas vapours from a liquid petroleum gas (LPG) heater, previously placed in the interior of the road tanker, ignited blowing him off his feet.

Repair Protection and Maintenance Limited (RPM) of Roall Lane, Kellington, near Selby, was yesterday (June 22) prosecuted by the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) after breaching Regulation 4(2) of the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997, and Regulation 3(1) (a) of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 after the incident on 7 July 2008. RPM were fined £3,250 and ordered to pay costs of £2656.60.

Selby Magistrates Court heard how the man was caught in the blast when a spark from an attempt to re-light the LPG heater ignited flammable gases which had accumulated in the confined space of the tanker. The heater was being used as part of the preparation for a coating treatment.

As a result of the incident, the man has lost most of his sense of smell and his hearing has been impaired. A second worker escaped with minor injuries.

The investigation found that the heater was found not to be working when the vapours ignited causing the explosion.

Following the hearing HSE inspector Jacqueline Ferguson said:

"Even though the gas heater was not running, RPM's failure to carry out a risk assessment and pre-entry testing for toxic or flammable vapours in the tanker was unacceptable.

"The employee has suffered terrible injuries, but it could have been much worse, he could have lost his life. HSE have produced much guidance on how to make sure the work place is properly protected. If procedures had been followed correctly this incident would have been avoided."

Notes to editors

1. The Health and Safety Executive is Britain's national regulator for workplace health and safety. It aims to reduce work-related death, injury and ill health. It does so through research, information and advice; promoting training; new or revised regulations and codes of practice; and working with local authority partners by inspection, investigation and enforcement. www.hse.gov.uk
2. Regulation 4(2) Of the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 states that..."No person at work shall enter or carry out any work in or (other than as a result of an emergency) leave a confined space otherwise than in accordance with a system of work which, in relation to any relevant specified risks, renders that work safe and without risks to health."
3. Regulation 3 (1) (a) of the Management of Health and safety at work regulations 1999 states that "...every employer shall make a suitable and sufficient assessment of - (a) the risks to the health and safety of his employees to which they are exposed whilst they are at work."

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