Chemicals maker fined after blast

Prosecutions and Claims |
01.03.2007

Wirral-based chemicals maker Epichem must pay a £20,000 fine and costs of £13,416 after two explosions at its premises in Bromborough in December 2004 left an employee with serious injuries. The first explosion occurred in the company's gallium chloride solvation reactor, releasing flammable materials into the plant area and triggering a secondary explosion. The explosions were caused by severe over-heating during a chemical process. Employee Paul Evans was seriously hurt and another man received minor injuries. Epichem pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act and was fined at Wirral Magistrates' Court on 18 January.