A PROHIBITION notice has been served on a Hartlepool firm after a chemical explosion at its works last week.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Environment Agency, acting jointly, have issued a prohibition notice forbidding Baker Petrolite, of Tofts Farm Industrial Estate, Brenda Road, Hartlepool, from using equipment at the centre of the blast.
The notice was served after an incident at the firm's Tekchem Works, in Hartlepool on Wednesday, August 16, when an explosion took place within sealed equipment.
Two chemicals were involved, ethylene oxide, a highly flammable metal, and Sorbitol, a form of sugar. They were being reacted together to make what would have been a form of lubricant for the plastics industry.
An HSE spokesman said: "The investigation into this incident is ongoing and Baker Petrolite is cooperating fully."
No one was injured in the explosion and no chemicals leaked into the environment.
Because of damage caused by the blast, some of the equipment has been deemed unsafe.
The firm has been banned from using this equipment until it is replaced, at which time the HSE and Environment Agency will review its prohibition notice.
The notice is served under the Control of Major Accident Hazards Regulations 1999.
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