'Safety issue' over Concorde site

A site manager at a Concorde exhibition where a pensioner slipped and fell to his death was unaware safety was his responsibility, an inquest has heard.

Horace Livall, from Bristol, plunged to the ground from the gantry during a Concorde tour at Filton.

The 71-year-old died after falling 15ft (5m) from the aircraft doorway.

Site manager Ed Chambers told the Bristol inquest he thought safety duties were Airbus UK's responsibility as the plane was on its land.

The inquest jury at Kings Weston House heard the walkway platform could not be fixed to the aircraft, leaving a gap between the gantry and the fuselage.

Webbing straps

Instead of a metal bridge, a plywood platform was placed between the gantry and the plane, with webbing straps on one side.

Mr Chambers, BAC site manager of the Concorde at Filton exhibition, was hired by trustees to supervise the exhibition.

Reading from Mr Chambers' job description, Coroner Brian Whitehouse told the jury "ensuring health and safety requirements were met" was included.

Mr Chambers said he believed all health and safety requirements were Airbus UK's responsibility.

He also denied any negligence, telling the jury: "I strongly deny I was negligent towards my management of the centre."

The inquest continues..