HSE will learn fron anker crash
Page 4
Page 5
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
• The design of tankers carrying inflammable liquids will be influenced by the accident in August in which a Linkman Tankers vehicle overturned and caught fire, says the Health and Safety Executive.
The HSE has finished its investigation into the accident which happened in Sunderland while the tanker, on contract to Mobil, was on its way to Gateshead with 33,000 litres of petrol on board (CM 3-9 Sept).
"The incident has not been forgotten," says USE area director Ian Waugh, "and the circumstances surrounding it will be borne in mind at future meetings relating to tanker standards with the British Standards Institute Committee and the Committee for European Normalisation." He is responsible for the North-East.
The HSE, which made a close examination of the tanker and its barrel, says it is satisfied that the vehicle was designed and built to recognised standards. It had been tested and examined as required by the regulations governing its use.
David Tallent, director of sales and marketing for the tanker manufacturer Crane Fruehauf, says he is "totally satisfied" with the design of the tanker and is not considering modifying it. "Our understanding is that the road accident was not caused by a fault in the vehicle", he says.
Linkman is also satisfied with current tanker design, but it is reviewing its design policy as a result of the accident and is continuing its product improvement programme.
Northumbria Police are continuing their inquiry into the accident but say it is too early to know if any prosecutions will be made. They are still looking for a blue/grey coloured panel van which was seen near the scene.
Driver David Knight, who suffered minor burns, has undergone post traumatic stress counselling and is now back driving on the Mobil contract.