Gas Engineer Tells of Blast Factory Regret

A GAS engineer refused to service an oven at a plastics factory in Glasgow because of safety concerns, an inquiry was told.

Nine people died and more than 30 were injured in an explosion at the ICL Plastics site in Maryhill.

At a fatal accident inquiry engineer James Kincaid said: “In hindsight I should have reported the oven to the Health and Safety Executive.”

The inquiry also heard details of leaking gas pipes before the disaster.

The explosion happened on May 11 2004 and was caused when a buildup of gas from corroded pipes ignited.

Mr Kincaid, of Boiler Scot Ltd, told the inquiry at Maryhill Community Hall he was approached in 1993 by ICL to install a new oven.

On a visit to the premises the engineer told bosses he would not service the existing oven as there appeared to be chemicals stored nearby and there was no chimney.

Instead, there was an “inadequate flue” that had holes in it.

The door of the oven was open, meaning someone could fall into it, he told the inquiry.

The inquiry also heard of leaking pipes.

An engineer report dated June 14 1999 said:

“Arrived on site to test gas line, due to fire in factory next door.

“Gas soundness test failed. Factory’s own workers will locate leak.”

A report 11 days later stated: “Arrived on site to carry out soundness test, found that pipework was still leaking.

“Found that repairs had been carried out using wrong fittings.”

ICL Plastics and ICL Tech were fined GBP400,000 at Glasgow High Court last year after admitting health and safety breaches.

The inquiry continues.

Originally published by Newsquest Media Group.

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