25/06/2010 - Worker burnt after tanker explosion
A worker sustained a fractured skull and severe burns to the legs, arms and face after a build up of gas vapour in a road tanker caused an explosion, a court has heard.
The worker at a company providing anti-corrosion solutions to industry, who does not want to be identified, was blown from his feet and severely injured when gas vapours from a liquid petroleum gas (LPG) heater ignited on July 7, 2008.
On June 22 the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecuted Repair Protection and Maintenance Limited (RPM) of Roall Lane, Kellington, near Selby, after breaching Regulation 4(2) of the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997, and Regulation 3(1) (a) of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
The company was fined £3,250 and ordered to pay costs of £2,656.
Selby Magistrates Court heard how the man was caught in the blast when a spark from an attempt to re-light the LPG heater ignited flammable gases which had accumulated in the confined space of the tanker. The heater was being used as part of the preparation for a coating treatment.
As a result of the incident, the man has lost most of his sense of taste and his hearing has been impaired. A second worker escaped with minor injuries.
The investigation found that the heater was found not to be working when the vapours ignited causing the explosion.
Copyright © Press Association 2010
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