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PHW · Manufacturing · 2026-02-12

Flowchem UK Ltd fined £50,000 after a worker was doused with corrosive drain cleaner

Sandiacre, Nottinghamshire · Nottingham Magistrates Court

What happened

An agency worker was doused with corrosive drain un-blocker liquid when she accidentally opened an outlet valve on a 1,000-litre container that had no end cap fitted, during decanting operations. The systems of work in place unnecessarily exposed workers to the risk of injury from corrosive chemicals.

Injuries: burns to face, eye, neck and arm

The breach

HSWA 1974 s2(1) and s3(1)

The sentence

  • Fine: £50,000
  • Costs: £7,247
  • Other sentence: Victim surcharge £2,000
HSE inspector

“The systems of work employed by Flowchem unnecessarily exposed workers to risks of injury from exposure to corrosive chemicals.”

What would have prevented it

Bulk containers of corrosive substances must have end caps and safe decanting procedures fitted before agency or any staff handle them.

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Source: HSE press release, Chemical company fined after agency worker suffers chemical burns