Waste management firm fined over chemical fire
December 15th 08:28 Health and Safety
A chemical fire that forced the closure of two motorways has cost a waste management firm from north London £150,000.
Veolia ES Cleanaway has been prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) following a 15-month investigation into the incident that was conducted with Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and the Environment Agency.
The blaze, which occurred in July 2007, caused sections of the M6 and M55 to be shut while firefighers fought to get it under control and HSE principal inspector for Lancashire Linda Murray said that it was a result of Veolia failing to store dangerous chemicals properly, something that could have been prevented with proper facilities management.
"Any businesses that have flammable substances on their premises need to take appropriate measures to minimise the risk of fires or explosions," she remarked.
The fine comes after clothing retailer New Look was hit with a £400,000 penalty earlier this month for failing to prevent a blaze that occurred at its Oxford Street store in 2007.
