Pharmaceutical Company fined £100,000 After Man Sprayed by Toxic Chemical
Bolton, United Kingdom (PRWEB UK) 30 September 2013 -- The employee, from Tyne and Wear, was doused with several litres of bromine solution, as he extracted cables from a valve attached to some old pipework, at Aesica Pharmaceuticals on the Windmill Industrial Estate, Cramlington, Northumberland. As a result of the incident, he spent 48 hours in a life-threatening condition after he inhaled the corrosive substance, he also suffered severe skin burns, and substantial damage to his eye. (1)
The incident, on 7 February 2012, was immediately investigated by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which prosecuted the company for various safety failings. (1)
Newcastle Crown Court heard today (20 September,) that in 2007, a bromine storage tank had been taken out of service to be prepared for an insurance inspection. The preparation included removing short sections of connecting pipework, which were still attached to the tank. The removal left the remaining pipework, including some valves, suspended from a set of flexible bellows, which allowed some movement in the pipework. (1)
The tank failed its insurance inspection, and its planned replacement was postponed until 2012. Over the next five years, although the pipework at one end was disconnected, the other end was still connected to, filling an adjacent tank with bromine, which left the pipework contaminated. (1)
Subsequently, as the worker removed the cables, the bellows failed, releasing bromine over him. Potentially fatal if inhaled, bromine solution can cause severe skin burns. As a result of the accident, the employee was in hospital for four weeks, and continues to receive treatment for his injuries. He has not yet been able to return to work. (1)
The HSE found that the bolts on the bellows were badly corroded, increasing the likelihood that they would rupture under stress. They also identified that a further section of bromine pipework, which could also have become contaminated with bromine, was also inadequately supported. (1)
Commenting on the accident, Thomas Fairclough, Executive at Asons Solicitors, stated that:
“Any health and safety compensation awarded, as a result of this accident, can’t undo the damage caused; this accident could have been easily avoided, had the suggested health and safety precautions been implemented. In this case, they weren’t”
Aesica Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Q5, Quorum Business Park, Newcastle, was fined £100,000 and ordered to pay £7,803, after pleading guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. (HSE-E-032/13)(1)
After the case, HSE Inspector Graham Watson said:
"This was a serious incident with potentially fatal consequences which was readily preventable.
"All employers and particularly those handling dangerous chemicals must not assume a lack of previous incidents means risks are adequately controlled. Measures must be in place to ensure, through robust audit and review that this is due to effective management and not just good fortune.
"Maintaining the mechanical integrity of process plant and pipework is essential to preventing the loss of hazardous chemicals. Any changes to plant must be carefully assessed to ensure it does not increase the risk of failure. Measures must be in place through an on-going programme of maintenance and inspection to ensure the continued integrity of the plant according to risk."
Asons Solicitors suggest that if someone would like to learn more about the consequences of an accident at work, or if they would like to better understand the Health and Safety Claims process, that information is available at http://www.asons.co.uk, or via an expert helpline on 01204 521 133.
1. Pharmaceutical company fined £100,000 after man sprayed by toxic chemical- http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2013/rnn-e-eagle-freight-terminal.htm – HSE April 2013
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About Asons Solicitors:
Asons Solicitors is a Bolton-based law practice that specialises in personal injury and industrial disease claims. Founded by brothers Imran Akram and Kamran Akram, Asons Solicitors has developed to become a young and dynamic law firm that delivers practical solutions to clients in times of difficulty. Their continued focus on their staff has seen them awarded with the Investors in People “Gold Award”; which is reflected in the professional and personable approach they take in working with clients. They strive to grow and to develop, and their supportiveness and attention to detail ensures that their clients use them time and again.
For further information contact:
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.asons.co.uk
Imran Akram, Asons Solicitors, http://www.asons.co.uk, +44 8448501062, [email protected]
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