An engineering company has been fined after two workers received severe chemical burns while cleaning a pipework system in Northumberland.

PSL Worldwide Projects Ltd of Bridgewater Lane, Washington, Tyne and Wear, pleaded not guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 on 28 November 2016 at Bedlington Magistrates Court. However, it was found guilty and the company was fined £150,000 by Newcastle Crown Court. As the company is in liquidation, no costs were awarded.

Newcastle Crown Court heard that two employees of PSL were using Sodium Hydroxide granules to clean a pipe system at a Hyclone UK site in Cramlington on 31 July 2014.

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However, while cleaning a pipework system a reaction occurred between the chemicals and water in the system which caused the liquid to heat up, build up pressure in the hose. As a result, the hose detached and sprayed the two workers with the solution, causing severe burns.

One workers injuries included life threatening burns to his back, buttocks, arms, leg, neck and one side of his face. The other employee received burns to the right side of his head, his neck, and back, left arm and behind his right ear.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) discovered the task was not adequately risk assessed by PSL, the equipment provided to do the job, in particular the hosing, was not suitable for the solution, and the company failed to provide adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) to its employees.

HSE inspector Laura Catterall said: "If a suitable risk assessment had been undertaken it would have identified that the equipment being used was not right for the chemicals or the work being carried out. All companies who work with high hazard chemicals should learn from this case and ensure that their workers are properly protected."

(LM)