Fine issues for fire safety incident
May 1, 2009
Businesses need to ensure they are working safely when dealing with gas and pipework, according to Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
The reminder came after a south-east construction firm was fined for failing to switch off all services during refurbishment of a retail unit in Slough, which may be news to those undergoing fire safety training.
A sub-contractor then cut through a live gas pipe, resulting in a fire starting at the Queensmere Shopping Centre.
Bracknell Magistrates Court fined Keltbray, from south west London, £18,000 and ordered it to pay full costs of £20,469 after admitting a breach of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
Karen Morris, HSE inspector, commented: "Fortunately no one was injured, although the incident caused a significant risk to the safety of site workers and members of the public."
She also said businesses need to implement systems of work that are clear, manageable and reliable in order to avoid putting people at risk.
Last week, a West Midlands company was fined after a man was burnt on the hands and face while using welding equipment that had not been maintained for 28 years.
Find out more about Fire Safety training
The reminder came after a south-east construction firm was fined for failing to switch off all services during refurbishment of a retail unit in Slough, which may be news to those undergoing fire safety training.
A sub-contractor then cut through a live gas pipe, resulting in a fire starting at the Queensmere Shopping Centre.
Bracknell Magistrates Court fined Keltbray, from south west London, £18,000 and ordered it to pay full costs of £20,469 after admitting a breach of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
Karen Morris, HSE inspector, commented: "Fortunately no one was injured, although the incident caused a significant risk to the safety of site workers and members of the public."
She also said businesses need to implement systems of work that are clear, manageable and reliable in order to avoid putting people at risk.
Last week, a West Midlands company was fined after a man was burnt on the hands and face while using welding equipment that had not been maintained for 28 years.
Find out more about Fire Safety training
More Fire Safety news:
HSE warning on gas safety following prosecution - June 17, 2009Fines issued for school fire safety incident - May 8, 2009
Sleeping on site 'health and safety risks' - April 1, 2009
Firm fined after fireball - March 6, 2009
HSE inspects 100 Teesside businesses - February 13, 2009
