News Article

Inadequate ventilation led to LPG blast


Posted by Carl Gryniewicz | Date Posted 09.08.2007 | Time Posted 10:37:52 | Views: 577

Two men received serious burns when a liquid petroleum gas (LPG) heater being used in a shipping container in Colne, Lancashire, exploded.

Colne body shop and vehicle and chemical spills recovery firm J D Macadam and Son (Garages) pleaded guilty at Reedley Magistrates' Court on 7 June to breaching s2(1) of HSWA 1974 by not ensuring the safety of employees David Fretwell and Martin Wild.

The court heard that on 30 December 2004, the two recovery officers had been about to make a cup of tea in the steel container at the start of the day. The explosion occurred as they entered.

Mr Fretwell received burns to his hands, lower arms and face, and spent two weeks in a burns unit. Mr Wild suffered complications with his respiratory tract and had to undergo a tracheotomy.

Inspector Taylor concluded: "These two men were burned in an explosion because the company had failed to take all reasonable measures to ensure their safety. The consequences of this incident could have been far worse."


Published in sections: Health and Safety ::

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