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UK News - Breaking news in the field of health and safety
Company failed to control runaway chemical reaction
2 explosions ensued when a chemical firm's reactor contents ran out of control during December 2004, injuring 2 employees, 1 seriously, and causing significant damage to the premises. The exothermic reaction in a gallium chloride solvation reactor caused the release of flammable materials into the plant area where a secondary explosion occurred.
Epichem Ltd, based in the Wirral, pleaded guilty to a breach of S.2 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 in that it failed to provide and maintain a safe system of work. At Wirral Magistrates' Court in Birkenhead the company was fined £20,000 with £13,416.28 costs.
Comment:
"Guidance for the assessment of chemical reaction hazards is readily available to industry and HSE expects that high standards of design, construction, operation and maintenance to be maintained at all times.
Before any modifications are made to a process, the effect on the overall process safety should be assessed prior to their instigation and the process documentation should be updated accordingly." - HSE Inspector who oversaw the HSE investigation of the incident.
22.01.07
