Need for correct Personal Protective Equipment highlighted
Jan 1, 2010
A company was fined a total of £5,300 and ordered to pay £2,134 in costs after a worker suffered serious burns because he was not wearing suitable gloves.
During a routine mould casting procedure at an aluminium castings firm the man was burned by a blowback of molten metal.
As he released a plug so that metal could pour into the mould, the bush blew, scattering molten metal everywhere and, because he was wearing rigger gloves instead of foundry gauntlets, his injuries were much more serious. The molten metal permeated through the gloves and up the sleeves of his jacket on to his arms, because the gloves were too short.
The man sustained serious burns to his hands and arms which required a number of skin grafts and a five hour operation.
Employers should carry out specific risk assessments for what protective equipment must be worn for each task and also ensure the equipment is suitable for the task and that it is worn correctly.
