A fishing fleet operator has been fined by the HSE after an engine room fire suppression system activated unexpectedly, causing a fatal gas leak.
A fishing fleet company has been fined following an investigation into the death of a 20-year-old apprentice engineer. The fatality occurred inside a vessel's engine room when a fire suppression system activated unexpectedly, filling the enclosed space with toxic gas. An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed that no safe system of work was in place to coordinate multiple contractors working in cramped conditions, nor was there an effective emergency evacuation plan.
The HSE prosecution underlined severe shortcomings in how hazardous, confined site activities were managed. The presence of several distinct trades working simultaneously within a high-risk area created unmanaged hazards. The fleet operator pleaded guilty to two safety charges and received a substantial court fine.
While this case involves maritime engineering, the safety principles directly apply to UK tradespeople working in cramped plant rooms, utility spaces, or multi-trade domestic sites. Electricians, plumbers, and heating engineers working alongside other subcontractors in confined areas must ensure that automated fire suppression, gas systems, or hazardous services are isolated before starting work. Trades should check that proper gas detection monitors and confined-space safety gear are specified for the job. Do not rely on another contractor's site setup without verifying that a formal risk assessment and emergency extraction plan are active.
Reported by HSE — original article
Price alerts on the kit you're watching, plus the deals our team files each day.
Create a free account
