Home / Real cases / Syngenta Ltd
Huddersfield · Leeds Magistrates' Court
During steam trap replacement, an isolation valve failed while a mechanical fitter was cutting bolts using a reciprocating saw, causing an uncontrolled release of high-pressure steam. The worker narrowly escaped serious injury.
Injuries: Worker narrowly escaped serious injury; the release does not state whether any injury was sustained.
Regulation 5(1) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998; Regulation 3(1) of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
“this was a dangerous accident waiting to happen”
Where isolation valves and flange bolts are corroded, a single method of isolation is not enough; use double isolation, and avoid routinely cutting flange bolts, which reduces control of trapped pressure.
The machines, packs and quizzes that fit this kind of site.