A SOLVENTS manufacturer in the Scottish Borders has been fined following an explosion at its factory.
The explosion occurred at Rathburn Chemicals in Walkerburn on January 10, 2020, where a laboratory, which was part of the factory, had to be demolished following the detonation.
No one was injured by the blast. A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found Rathburn Chemicals had an inadequate system in place which failed to control the amount of steam and heat being generated during its distillation process.
The investigation into the explosion found the likely cause was excessive pentane vapour, generated by the company’s distillation process, overheating and being ignited by the site’s extraction system.
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HSE said the company also failed to adequately detect any signs of overheating which could lead to flammable vapour being ignited.
Rathburn Chemicals Limited pleaded guilty to breaching two sections of the Health and Safety at Work act and was fined £40,000 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £3000 at Lothian and Borders Sheriff Court last Friday.
HSE inspector Isabelle Martin said: “This was a serious incident and it is fortunate that no one was injured by the blast.
“The explosion could have been avoided had Rathburn Chemicals simply carried out the correct control measures and safe working practices.
“This case also highlights the risks from distilling flammable substances, the need for reliable control measures and adequate training of employees. Companies looking for further advice on this issue can find readily available guidance on the HSE website.”
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