Chemical manufacturer fined after explosion on site demolishes laboratory

An explosion at a solvents factory in the Scottish Borders has seen the manufacturer fined for health and safety failures.

Rathburn Chemicals (Manufacturing) Limited, who manufacture a wide range of solvents, also distil their products on site. The blast, which occurred on 10 January 2020 at their Walkerburn site, destroyed a laboratory within the factory.

No-one was injured in the explosion, but the blast caused extensive damage, as witnesses described a massive fireball that engulfed the factory, with bricks thrown into the air and damage caused to neighbouring buildings.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigated the incident, and found it was likely caused by excessive pentane vapour. Generated by the company’s distillation process, the vapour overheated and was ignited by the site’s extraction system.

HSE discovered inadequate systems to control the amount of steam and heat generated by the distillation process. Rathburn Chemicals also failed to adequately detect signs of overheating, which could lead to ignition of flammable vapour.

Rathburn Chemicals (Manufacturing) Limited pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) and Section 33(1)(a) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The company was fined £40,000 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £3,000 at Lothian and Borders Sheriff Court on 20 September 2024.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE Inspector Isabelle Martin said:

“This was a serious incident and it is fortunate that no one was injured by the blast. The explosion could have been avoided had Rathburn Chemicals simply carried out the correct control measures and safe working practices.

“This case also highlights the risks from distilling flammable substances, the need for reliable control measures and adequate training of employees. Companies looking for further advice on this issue can find readily available guidance on the HSE website.”

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