Firm fined after toxic gas leak

A Sutton Coldfields-based firm has been fined £28,000, in addition to costs of £5,278, after pleading guilty to breaches of health and safety laws following a gas leak.

Denso Manufacturing Midlands admitted failing to carry out proper risk assessments, which led to concentrated carbon dioxide being leaked into a basement sub station in which work was being carried out.

The firm pleaded guilty to breaching of section 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.

Following the leak, a contract electrician had to be taken to hospital after being exposed to the gas.

Health and Safety Executive inspector Ed Fryer said the firms failure to carry out a risk assessment had led to a dangerous situation.

He said: "Management arrangements for the health and safety of employees and non-employees were grossly inadequate."