Firm fined over safeguarding liquid
29/03/2010
A York-based hazardous waste recycling firm which admitted failing to safeguard flammable liquid used in an attack on the business has been fined £40,000.
BCB Environmental Management Limited illegally processed drums of volatile chemicals near unprotected electrical equipment and forklift trucks. This emerged after a former employee ignited the drums in October 2008. The arsonist was convicted for his crime.
The breaches were revealed in an inquiry by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and North Yorkshire Police
A vital safety guard was missing from a dangerous drum-crushing machine - exposing operators to dangerous internal mechanics, including a hydraulic ram capable of applying two tones-worth of pressure. The safety stop switch was covered in grime and almost unrecognisable so workers would have found it difficult to stop the crusher in the event of an accident, Harrogate Magistrates' Court heard.
BCB, based at Marston Business Park, Tockwith, admitted breaching two regulations in the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) relating to the liquid, and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 over the state of the crushing machine.
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