HSE sends out warning following chemical burn

Following the successful prosecution of Anglo Adhesives and Services Ltd, the HSE has issued a warning to remind those of the dangers of working with chemicals.

On 2 September 2009, Anglo Adhesives and Services Ltd pleaded guilty to breaches of the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002. They were fined £15,000 and ordered to pay £5,500 costs following prosecution for two of their workers being burned by adhesive flames ignited by the mixing of two flammable materials.

Wayne Saddington and William Gillespie, agency workers who had only been working for the company for a few weeks, were tasked with mixing a batch of adhesives. The instructions they were given were inadequate so when they began mixing, the flammable vapour above the liquid ignited, sending a flame shooting upwards. It set fire to Mr Saddington's hi-visibility clothing and singed the hair and burnt the faces of both men. 

HSE commented that the company should have given them proper instructions; there should have been a risk assessment and a safe system of work.

If you require assistance with risk assesments, work systems and procedures, please please do not hesitate to contact Advantage Health and Safety