Workers escape injury after blast

Factory workers and members of the public could have been seriously injured in a major chemical fire which sent aerosols flying into the air in Crewe, the Health and Safety Executive has said.

Two companies were prosecuted following the accident at Aztec Aerosols on the Gateway Industrial Estate on June 4, 2007.

The HSE prosecuted Crewe-based waste recycling company Greenway Environmental Ltd and Preston-based waste shredder manufacturer Pakawaste Ltd following an investigation into the explosion and subsequent fire.

Chester Crown Court heard the fire was caused by an explosion in an aerosol shredding unit. The unit, which was being used on Greenway's premises, had been designed, manufactured and supplied by Pakawaste.

The HSE discovered that the machine had not been designed to safely shred waste containers containing residues of flammable liquids and gases. Furthermore, unsafe operating procedures were in place.

Greenway pleaded guilty and was fined £37,500 and ordered to pay costs of £50,000.

Pakawaste, of Rough Hey Road, Grimsargh, Preston, also pleaded guilty and was fined £50,000 and ordered to pay costs of £87,030.

Gill Chambers, the HSE's investigating inspector, said: "This was a serious incident that caused major disruption in Crewe and had the potential for workers and the public to be badly injured."

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