The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has fined solvents manufacturer Rathburn Chemicals £40,000 (US$53,000) following an investigation into an explosion at its site in the Scottish Borders.
In January 2020, a blast occurred at Rathburn’s industrial unit in the village of Walkerburn, likely caused by the overheating and igniting of the alkane chemical pentane.
The incident led to the evacuation of 26 people and the shutdown of a nearby primary school, reports the BBC.
Founded in 1975, Rathburn Chemicals produces a range of solvents, including pentane, which are used in medical research, pharmaceuticals, and the food and drink industry.
The family-owned manufacturer pleaded guilty at the Selkirk Sheriff Court to two breaches of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, which included failing to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of employees and failing to carry out correct risk assessments.
The vessel used at the plant to distill pentane had been left unattended, resulting in the overheating and over-production of pentane vapour, which caused the blast.
There were no recorded casualties or injuries caused by the explosion, but the HSE said that was “fortunate”.
Along with the £40,000 fine, the courts also ordered Rathburn to pay a victim supercharge of £3,000 at Lothian and Borders Sheriff Court.
Isabelle Martin, an HSE inspector, said: “This case highlights the risks from distilling flammable substances, the need for reliable control measures and adequate training of employees.”
She added: “The explosion could have been avoided had Rathburn Chemicals simply carried out the correct control measures and safe working practices.”
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