HSE fines ExxonMobil a six-figure sum after inspectors discover five flammable gas leaks caused by Corrosion Under Insulation at Fife chemical plant.
ExxonMobil has received a six-figure fine following five separate leaks of extremely flammable hydrocarbons at its Fife Ethylene Plant. The incidents, which occurred between February 2018 and September 2019, included one leak that went unaddressed for four months.
The hazards were uncovered after inspectors from the Health & Safety Executive detected a strong smell of flammable gas during a routine site visit. The regulator's subsequent investigation identified Corrosion Under Insulation as the root cause behind all five release events.
While this prosecution involves heavy industrial refining, it underlines critical lessons for commercial plumbers, pipefitters, and heating engineers dealing with insulated pipework. Corrosion Under Insulation remains a major hidden hazard across industrial and large commercial installations. Tradespeople working on high-pressure or insulated fluid systems should prioritize robust vapor barriers, correct lagging materials, and regular visual inspections beneath cladding. For contractors purchasing insulation, sealants, and pipework materials from trade merchants, selecting high-specification moisture-resistant products is essential to prevent costly structural degradation and hazardous leaks.
The substantial financial penalty handed down by the courts highlights the HSE's refusal to tolerate poor maintenance regimes on high-hazard sites. The enforcement action serves as a reminder to plant operators and mechanical contractors nationwide that passive containment systems and pipe insulation must be systematically inspected and maintained to ensure site safety.
Reported by HSE — original article
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