Company fined after worker killed whilst discharging fire extinguisher

A fire extinguisher company has been prosecuted by Health and Safety executive (HSE) after a worker was killed when discharging a fire extinguisher when it was being processed at the end of its life. There was a sudden release of pressure which caused the fire extinguisher to explode, striking the worker in the head.

HSE’s investigation found that the company failed to conduct a suitable and sufficient risk assessment for processing of these types of fire extinguishers. The company was fined £40,000 after pleading guilty to breaching Section 2(1) Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.