01/04/2010 - Firm suffers arson attack and fined
Arson against a business led to the firm receiving a £40,000 fine because it broke health and safety regulations by not storing flammable liquid safely.
Hazardous waste recycling company, BCB Environmental Management Limited, which is based at Marston Business Park, Tockwith, in York, admitted contravening Regulations 6 and 7 of the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) after illegally processing drums of volatile chemicals close to unprotected electrical equipment and forklift trucks.
The fire, which was started by a former member of staff in October 2008, triggered a probe by the Health and Safety Executive and North Yorkshire Police. The breaches enabled the arsonist, who was later convicted by the courts over the incident, to gain access to the drums easily.
After the hearing, HSE inspector, Stephen Britton, commented: "BCB Environmental Management Ltd processed drums containing flammable liquid close to unprotected electrical equipment, creating a real risk that they could have gone up at any time.
"As a hazardous waste specialist BCB should have been well aware of the relevant legislation and should never have handled flammable material in this way. "
Copyright © Press Association 2010
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