School Prosecuted For Science Experiment Injuries | Health & Safety

School Prosecuted For Science Experiment Injuries

Key Facts

• School fined after technician seriously injured preparing science experiment
• Chemistry lab technician lost parts of three fingers and ruptured his bowel in the incident
• School fined £26,000 plus costs

The Case

An HSE investigation was launched into the safety practices of a Bristol school after a chemistry lab technician suffered serious injuries whilst preparing a ‘fireworks demonstration’ for a class of children.

Whilst preparing the highly sensitive explosive, the technician lost parts of three fingers and ruptured his bowel whilst preparing the experiment. He spent 12 days in hospital before returning to work.

The subsequent investigation found that this explosive had been handled several times a year since 2009, and that other explosive substances – flash powder and gunpowder – were also stored in the school’s chemistry storeroom.

The HSE stated that this incident could have been avoided by the implementation of clear management arrangements to control and review the risks associated with the chemicals used in teaching activities.

The case was heard at Bristol Magistrates Court in Jan 2016, where the school admitted to breaching Section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 by failing to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of its employees. They also admitted to breaching Section 3 of the same act by failing to conduct its undertaking in such a way as to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that persons not in its employment, in this case its pupils, were not exposed to risks to their health and safety. They were fined a total of £26,000 plus £12,176 in costs.

What the HSE had to say

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Susan Chivers said

‘Schools need to have clear health and safety arrangements in place for their staff and students.

They should set up adequate control systems and ensure that these arrangements are clearly understood and adhered to. They should also follow recognised guidance provided by CLEAPSS (formerly known as the Consortium of Local Education Authorities for the Provision of Science Services) and similar organisations regarding the control of risks to health and safety in practical science work.’

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