Industry news
Electrics company fined over fumes
Posted Mon, 08 Feb
Ventilation problems at a Huddersfield recycling plant led to several workers being exposed to toxic mercury fumes, it has been revealed.
Glasgow firm Electrical Waste Recycling Group Ltd was fined £140,000 after admitting five breaches of regulations at Bradford Crown Court. Company director Craig Thompson, 38, of Reinwood, Huddersfield, was fined £5,000 after admitting breaching the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002.
Twenty employees had levels of mercury in their system above UK guidance levels, and five showed extremely high levels following exposure between October 2007 and August 2008. It was found that workers were exposed to potentially harmful emissions from mercury and lead due to ventilation problems at the plant in School Lane, Kirkheaton.
The company recycles electrical equipment, including fluorescent light tubes containing mercury and TV sets and monitors containing lead. EWR was also ordered to pay £35,127 costs.
After the hearing HSE Inspector Jeanne Morton said: "The company failed to see the risks created by their recycling work and failed to develop effective plans for safe working. They also did nothing to check their workers' health after exposure."
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