A COMPANY was last night banned from transporting gas cylinders in the wake of an explosion that killed a welder and devastated the centre of a North-East town.

Welder Andy Herd was driving through Wolsingham, County Durham, on May 26, when oxyacetylene cylinders he was carrying in the back of his van exploded.

As a result of the tragedy, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has served a legal notice on Ward Bros Plant Hire, in Darlington, banning it from carrying similar cylinders in closed vehicles.

The ban will not be lifted until the company puts new procedures in place.

Mr Herd, a 33-year-old father-to-be, was killed instantly in the blast. Residents were evacuated from their homes and buildings in the high street were badly damaged by the blast, which left wreckage strewn across a wide area. Durham Police have passed the investigation to the HSE.

Officials last night urged transport companies to carry out a thorough review of handling procedures.

Initial investigations established that the incident was most likely to have been caused by an explosion of acetylene gas from oxyacetylene cutting equipment being carried in Mr Herd's vehicle.

An HSE spokesperson confirmed that it was usual procedure to carry out safety reviews as a result of a workplace fatality.

"It is normal practice for health and safety reasons that we carry out a review of this kind.

"The circumstances are unusual but we carry out similar reviews with any workplace related related fatality.

We can confirm that Ward Bros have agreed to the Prohibition Notice and will not be transporting acetylene cylinders in any of their closed vehicles."

The company was unavailable for comment yesterday.

Acetylene gas is highly explosive and requires adequate ventilation prior to welding.

Cylinders must always be kept upright and held securely. If a cylinder falls over and the gas valve strikes something, it can become an extremely dangerous flammable missile.

Pam Waldron, HSE's head of operations in the North-East, said: "While the investigation continues, it is important that all users of oxyacetylene equipment review their cylinder transport arrangements.

"Instruction and training of employees in safe operation, including regular checks of equipment condition and functioning, are needed to prevent any releases.

"In addition, such gases are best transported properly secured in an open vehicle and, if an encloses vehicle is used, it should have adequate ventilation."

Durham Police said they were no longer dealing with the incident because the explosion was not the result of a criminal act.

Detective Chief Inspector Ken Donnelly said: "Although there was no reason to suspect foul play, the investigation was initially a joint one involving police as well as HSE.

"As police inquiries have effectively been completed, primacy now rests with HSE. Our priority now is to prepare a file for the coroner so an inquest on Mr Herd can be concluded."