Worker Injured in Gas Pipe Ignition Accident
A worker was injured after being involved in an accident in which a gas pipe ignited in his face.
The man was working for demolition company, Birstall Demolition and Plant Services Ltd, at the time of the accident in June 2010. They were undertaking demolition of a warehouse in Burton-on-Trent when the incident happened.
He was using a power tool to cut out the structure in one part of the building. Part of this structure was a metal gas pipe, and the man was under the impression that it was not still live. As he cut into the pipe it ignited in his face causing him serious burn injuries.
The man was burnt on his face and on his arms too. He was rushed to hospital where he underwent treatment for two days. He was unable to work for a period of time after the accident, and has been left with scars from his injuries.
The Health and Safety Executive found that the company had not made basic checks to ensure that the pipe was safe to be cut. This put worker’s lives at risk, and Birstall Demolition and Plant Services Ltd were at Burton-on-Trent Magistrates’ Court last week in regards to the accident.
The company was fined £10,000 for breaking the Health and Safety at Work Act.
