Man ‘engulfed in flames’ at distillery

The 21-year-old man sustained 20% burns to the head, neck and hands while transferring ethyl acetate from a bulk storage tank into an intermediate bulk container, Wolverhampton Crown Court heard.

Poor management of highly flammable liquids can have catastrophic results both for individuals and businesses

HSE inspector Kieron Jones

An investigation conducted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found the most likely source of ignition was a discharge of static electricity generated by the transfer of the ethyl acetate.

Pipework and associated valves at the distillery were also found to be poorly maintained, HSE said, while further investigations also revealed a failure to competently inspect the equipment or monitor the systems of work.

Following the hearing, HSE inspector Kieron Jones said: “Companies that fail to ensure the integrity of their safety critical equipment place their employees, members of the public, emergency services and their entire livelihood at risk of serious harm.

“Poor management of highly flammable liquids can have catastrophic results both for individuals and businesses.”

Alcohols, which is a subsidiary of WH Palmer Industries, pleaded guilty to breaching Sections 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, and was also ordered to pay costs of £25,009.