A manufacturing firm in Norwich has been fined after two employees working with flammable substances in a spray booth were killed by an explosion.
On 13 July 2015, two workers had already sprayed several welded steel buckets that morning and were preparing for their next batch. The flammable vapour generated whilst cleaning or flushing a paint spray gun was ignited by one of the various sources of ignition which were present at the scene. An explosion occurred, killing both workers.
The HSE’s investigation found the immediate cause of the explosion to be the inconsistent and incomplete approach to health and safety by the company and its employees. This resulted in the lack of suitable control measures; specifically, a suitable and sufficient safe system of work for the activities in the spray booth.
Harford Attachments Limited of Spar Road, Norwich pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health & Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and breaching Regulation 6(4)(f)(i) of the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmosphere Regulations 2002. The firm was fined £145,000 and ordered to pay costs of £65,900.
Speaking after the hearing HSE Inspector Keith Waller said: “This was a tragic and wholly avoidable incident, caused by the failure of the company to implement safe systems of work, and failure to ensure that health and safety documentation was communicated and followed.
Our advice to businesses dealing with flammable substances is to make sure you are fully aware of the risks; this can only be achieved by having a comprehensive DSEAR assessment undertaken by Competent Persons.
