Fine issued for chemical release
April 6, 2009
The importance of health and safety management in the chemical industry has been highlighted after a Lincolnshire company was fined.
In news which may interest those considering risk assessment training, Millennium Inorganic Chemicals of Laporte Road, Stallingborough, received a £40,000 fine and was ordered to pay costs of £25,000 by Grimsby magistrates court.
The company pleaded guilty to a breach of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 following an incident in October 2006 when around 82 litres of titanium tetrachloride was accidentally discharged into the atmosphere while the firm was prepared for routine maintenance.
In addition, the escaping gas mixed with moisture in the air to form oxychlorides and hydrogen chloride vapour, which is a toxic and corrosive chemical.
Mike Nind, Health and Safety Executive inspector commented: "This was a serious incident, which had the potential to endanger the health of members of the public some distance from the site."
He also revealed that the operator was able to stop the accident from escalating in severity by shutting down the machine at "significant personal risk".
Last month, Holdingham Garage on Lincoln Road, Sleaford was fined by Grantham magistrates court for an incident which saw a work experience student burned by a fireball.
Find out more about conducting a Risk Assessment
In news which may interest those considering risk assessment training, Millennium Inorganic Chemicals of Laporte Road, Stallingborough, received a £40,000 fine and was ordered to pay costs of £25,000 by Grimsby magistrates court.
The company pleaded guilty to a breach of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 following an incident in October 2006 when around 82 litres of titanium tetrachloride was accidentally discharged into the atmosphere while the firm was prepared for routine maintenance.
In addition, the escaping gas mixed with moisture in the air to form oxychlorides and hydrogen chloride vapour, which is a toxic and corrosive chemical.
Mike Nind, Health and Safety Executive inspector commented: "This was a serious incident, which had the potential to endanger the health of members of the public some distance from the site."
He also revealed that the operator was able to stop the accident from escalating in severity by shutting down the machine at "significant personal risk".
Last month, Holdingham Garage on Lincoln Road, Sleaford was fined by Grantham magistrates court for an incident which saw a work experience student burned by a fireball.
Find out more about conducting a Risk Assessment
More COSHH news:
Plant fined GBP12000 after workers overcome by toxic fumes - June 26, 2009Merseyside companies urged not to ignore health and safety warnings - June 23, 2009
Silicosis awareness 'to be raised at event' - March 26, 2009
Scotland govt reveals health and safety problem - January 29, 2009
Legionnaires can be contracted through water sprays - January 14, 2009
