08/09/2010 - Firm prosecuted over explosion
A joiner is extremely lucky not to have been electrocuted after a short circuit caused a localised electrical explosion - a safety glitch which led to a fine for the firm involved.
The boilersuit worn by 62-year-old George Forbes, of Nigg, Aberdeen, caught fire when he tried to handle a disused electricity power supply, called a fuse cut-out, in order to fit a new plasterboard behind it.
The joiner was working for Graeme W Cheyne (Builders) Ltd, refurbishing flats on Holburn Street, in the city on November 11, 2008.
What Mr Forbes did not know was that the fuse cut-out was still live and connected to a 415 volt cable.
The cable had been twisted, creating a short-circuit that generated enough energy to melt the cable and cause a small explosion, an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed.
A fine of £9,000 was levied on the firm. It was also ordered to pay Mr Forbes £4,000 in compensation.
Aberdeen Sheriff Court heard that Mr Forbes suffered burns to his face and his left hand. Though he recovered and returned to work a few weeks later, he was extremely lucky not to have been electrocuted.
Graeme W Cheyne (Builders) Ltd, of Sugarhouse Lane, Aberdeen, pleaded guilty to failing to provide and maintain a safe system of work for employees working on or near an electrical system, breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Etc Act 1974.
Copyright © Press Association 2010
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