An industrial bakeware manufacturer has been prosecuted after an explosion left a worker with 60 per cent burns, public liability insurance holders have been told.
Fluorocarbon Bakeware Systems, of Hertford, pleaded guilty to contravening regulations 5(1) and 6(1) of the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 and was fined £10,000 with costs of £5,227.
Nottingham Magistrates Court heard how a 33-year-old worker, who did not want to be named, was cutting metal when a spark ignited vapours from a nearby can of thinner.
This then exploded and showered the employee with hot liquid.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that although flammable liquids were stored correctly, there was no provision for the storage of thinners in this area and no risk assessment had been carried out.
Recently, Graeme W Cheyne (Builders), of Aberdeen, was prosecuted after a joiner's boilersuit was set on fire when a short circuit caused an electrical explosion.