HSE issues dangerous chemicals warning
Commercial insurance
10th November 2008
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has sent a warning to employers about the dangers of harmful substances after a worker was badly burnt.
A 59-year-old employee was injured when a petrol leak ignited. It is thought the fire may have started because of an oxyacetylene torch being used nearby.
The incident highlights the importance of employers' liability insurance and ensuring proper safety measures are implemented.
Phoenix Autoparts 2000 was fined £2,000 and made to pay costs of £2,375 after pleading guilty to breaching Regulation 6 (3) of the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002.
Nottinghamshire HSE inspector Maureen Kingham said the company's management were shocked by the incident.
"Nevertheless, this incident highlights the need for companies dealing with hazardous substances such as petrol to ensure they control all the risks associated with that substance," she added.
The district court said the fine would have been higher were it not for financial difficulties faced by the company.
