Fuel spill leads HSE prosecution
December 23rd 09:22 Health and Safety
The importance of effective facilities management has been put in the spotlight by the prosecution of a fuel storage terminal operator in Essex.
Vopak London Terminal, which runs the West Thurrock site, was given a £50,000 fine after an incident in which a large amount of petrol leaked from a road tanker while it was being loaded.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed that the failure of a shut-off valve caused the vehicle to overflow and the body's John Hawkins said the spillage could have potentially been "very serious".
"Vopak London Terminal … failed to take all the necessary measures required to prevent this incident and failed to control the spill once it had occurred," he stated, noting that the prosecution should act as a warning to firms that operate sites where petrochemicals are stored.
In related news, Veolia ES Cleanaway was recently fined £150,000 following a chemical fire that forced the closure of the M6 and M55 motorways.
