A technology firm in Derbyshire has been prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after one of its employees sustained serious burns injuries after a dust explosion.

In October 2007, 54-year-old Paul Gothard from Selston in Nottingham was working for Chromalloy United Kingdom Ltd, which overhauls gas turbine engines.

Mr Gothard was working at the company’s site at Bramble Way, Clover Nook Industrial Estate in Alfreton, Derbyshire. While preparing to mix metal treatment powders at the premises, he loaded aluminium powder into a blender. During this process, a dust explosion occurred and Mr Gothard was hit by a fireball that set fire to his overalls. He suffered serious burns to his hands, arm and face.

The HSE investigation found that the explosion had been caused by the ignition of aluminium powder inside the mixer, which was most likely to have been triggered by a discharge of static electricity.

The investigators found that the original hose used with the mixer had a conductive metal strip – however, this had been replaced by an all-plastic hose without the strip. The investigation also found that employees working for the company had previously reported receiving static shocks from the hose.

On 2 December, 2009 at North East Derbyshire and Dales Magistrates’ Court, Chromalloy United Kingdom Ltd of Linkmel Road, Eastwood in Nottingham pleaded guilty to breaching three regulations of the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002.

On Tuesday, 9 February, 2010, the company was fined £50,000 and ordered to pay costs of around £13,200.

After the hearing, HSE Inspector Noelle Walker said that Chromalloy failed to carry out assessments and control risks ‘as required in relation to powdered aluminium’ – which is a potentially explosive dust.

‘Mr Gothard suffered serious burns in this incident and he’s been left with some permanent lack of function in his hand,’ said Ms Walker.

‘This case should send a clear message to other companies to make sure they protect their employees from fire and explosion risks in the workplace.’

The HSE says that employers are legally required to find out what dangerous substances are in their workplace, as well as the fire and explosion risks. They are also required to implement control measures to either remove any risks or – if this is not possible – control them.

Employers are also required to ensure that employees are properly informed about risks and are also trained to control or deal with risks from potentially dangerous substances.

© 5r1 Limited 2010