|
|||
Press Release
Northern Lighthouse Board, Edinburgh – March 21st, 2003
Incident at Stromness Depot
Following an explosion at the Northern Lighthouse Board’s Stromness depot in Orkney, the Board has launched a full investigation.
The explosion occurred in the large buoy store whilst a contractor was working on a buoy. There were no injuries and the fire services were quickly on the scene. The roof of the building in the depot has suffered minor damage.
Three officials from the NLB’s Edinburgh headquarters arrived in Orkney this morning to start investigations. The Board has been in contact with the Health and Safety Executive and is co-operating fully with the relevant authorities to establish the cause of the incident. A full structural survey of the building has now been carried out and found to be safe. It will now be made wind and watertight.
The Board investigators have spoken to the contractors involved. The contractors have carried out similar work for the Board for a number of years and have considerable experience. At the time of the explosion an employee of the contractor was carrying out work on a ten foot buoy body whilst converting the buoy from acetylene gas to solar power. Although uninjured the workman involved has been referred for a medical check up.
Issued on behalf of the Northern Lighthouse Board
For further information contact:
Nicholas Brown / Pat Adamson
020 7823 9444
Mobile: 07836 766 947