Hazardous Waste Company Fined £40,000 for Fire Safety Lapses
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The Tockwith based BCB Environmental Management Limited situated in
The violations were unearthed in an investigation conducted by HSE jointly with North Yorkshire Police, as the case also involved an arson attack on the site by a former employee, who was later caught and convicted. He had easy access to the flammable liquid that he used for setting the place on fire.
HSE Inspectors also discovered a drum crushing machine at the site that was not in a condition that was consonant with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. They also found that a safety guard was absent, and thus workers were exposed to the risk of dangerous machinery. Further, the safety switch of the crusher could not have been easily located in emergency as it was not visible, being covered with grime.
The case was heard by Harrogate Magistrates Court. The company pleaded guilty to the charges under Regulation 11 of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 for failing to ensure safety with respect to hazardous substances at workplace, after which is was ordered to pay a fine of £40,000 along with costs of £6,110.
Protecting the health and safety of employees or members of the public who may be affected by your activities is an essential part of risk management. Failure to comply with fire safety legislation can pose a serious and significant risk and cost to your business. Fire safety management solutions (see Fire Risk Assessments) from Workplace Law are tailored to meet site-specific requirements for the implementation, review and audit of fire safety policies, procedures and processes.
