A construction company director has been handed a prison sentenced after the death of two workmen during refurbishment of a Hertfordshire industrial unit in October 2015.
Luton Crown Court heard that brothers, Ardian and Jashar Lamallari, were employed as labourers when an explosive fire occurred. They suffered near 100 per cent burns and died within 12 hours of the incident.
A third man who was working with them survived although he suffered severe burns.
Hertfordshire Police and HSE found that the director supplied the men with several litres of highly flammable liquid (“thinners”) which was poured onto the floor of the unit to remove carpet tile adhesive.
The solvent vapour spread over an area up to half the size of a tennis court and was ignited by one of several possible ignition sources that were in the area.
No serious consideration of safety
The investigation found that no serious consideration was given to the safe use of the thinners, despite the obvious warnings on the containers. The director pleaded guilty to breaching HSW Act Section 3 (1) and received a custodial sentence of 8 months.
Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Paul Hoskins said:
“The risks of using highly flammable liquids are well-known, and employers should make sure they properly assess the risks from such substances, and use safer alternatives where possible. Where the use of flammable solvents is unavoidable, then the method and environment must be strictly controlled to prevent any ignition.”
