Last updated at 12:09, Wednesday, 16 January 2013

A Cumbrian garage has been fined after a mechanic was badly burned while trying to cut the top off an empty oil drum.

The 26-year-old was using a propane torch to remove the lid when the remaining oil inside the drum set alight, causing an explosion. He suffered burns to his hands and arms and was kept in hospital for five days.

The owner of Windermere Auto Centre, Kankku Ltd, was prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

At Kendal Magistrates’ Court, Kankku Ltd pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 6 (1) of the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 by failing to minimise the risks to which employees were exposed.

The company, of Victoria Street in Windermere, was fined £6,000 and ordered to pay £4,746 in costs.

Kankku Ltd was also ordered to pay £500 in compensation to the worker.

First published at 11:56, Wednesday, 16 January 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk