Two workers suffered burns, one seriously, when hot material from an industrial drier hit them as they tried to tackle a fire at a factory in South Wales, Pontypridd Magistrates’ Court heard last week.
The employees of Maxibrite, in Llantrisant, were trying to fight fire at the Maxibrite coal briquette plant on 16 December 2012 when they were hurt, one suffering severe burns to his back, legs and hands.
The incident was investigated by the HSE which prosecuted Maxibrite on 28 March.
The court heard works manager Simon Gilbody and works engineer Andrew Price were alerted by staff who saw smoke coming from the top of a tower used to produce solid fuel.
After several attempts to control the fire by hosing the tower failed, Mr Gilbody decided an inspection hatch at the bottom of the tower should be opened to let out any dust that might be causing an obstruction.
A company employee, Carl Lewis, opened the hatch but hot cinders cascaded out, burning Mr Gilbody on the chest, neck and face but without causing serious injury. As Mr Lewis tried to close the hatch, he was himself engulfed by hot coals. After showering for 30 minutes he was taken to hospital and received skin grafts for severe burns.
HSE’s investigation found Maxibrite had not carried out a suitable risk assessment for the safe working of the rotary drier and failed to provide a safe way of working including adequate information, instruction and training for workers using the equipment, and in procedures to follow in the event of a fire.
Maxibrite Ltd, of Esh Winning, Durham, was fined a total of £20,000 and ordered to pay £5,115 in costs after pleading guilty to breaching section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and regulation 3(1)(1) of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
HSE inspector Steve Lewis, speaking after the hearing, said: “Mr Lewis and Mr Gilbody could have suffered far worse injuries or even death in this incident, which could have been prevented.
“The drying process at the plant involved intensive heat so the risks of fire should have been obvious. There had been a fire at the plant previously involving a similar drying process.
“Employers must make sure they have proper plans for dealing with emergency situations and that workers are trained to know what to do when something like a fire breaks out.”
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I come across many organisations who don’t even provide basic fire awareness training or a Fire Action Plan. These things are not only a compliance but also some of the more cost effective things that you can do. The trouble is companies take the risk that things never happen, hut how many small companies can afford £25K?? I am sure fire awareness and fire procedures don’t cost this much?!