FATAL BOILER EXPLOSION

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29250, 7 July 1960, Page 20

FATAL BOILER EXPLOSION

Water Shortage Cause (New Zealand Fras* Association) WELLINGTON. July 8. A shortage of water in the boiler caused the fatal explosion at Birds Eye Foods (New Zealand'. Ltd.'s factory at Hastings on March 8. according to the report of the inquiry into the accident The Minister of Marine (Mr Fox) released the report today. The Court said it was satisfied with the sufficiency of the boiler s design for the working pressure the boiler was certified for at the time of the explosion. The demand for steam during the factory’s busy season seemed to have been paramount and little terne or opportunity seemed to have been taken for regular inspections and maintenance to essential parts of the boiler, particularly the water level controls, the report continues. "‘This must be regarded as a serious omission which must be remedied in the interests of safety.” the report said. Evidence showed that a relieving boiler attendant was in charge at the time of the explosion, while the regular attendant was at the dentist. “While it is not shown by the evidence that the relieving attendant was in any way to blame for what happened, it is nevertheless unfortunate that the regular certified attendant was absent during the crucial 25 minutes before the explosion,” the report added. The Court comprised Mr A. A. Coates, S.M., and Mr R. N. Kerr.