Company fined over chemist's death

Chemist Dr John Lane had only been working at Park Environmental Services in the city for seven weeks when he was overcome by the highly poisonous gas - hydrogen sulphide.

" This was a criminal waste of the young life which showed so much promise "
Judge John Griffith Williams QC

The company was fined at Cardiff Crown Court after admitting safety breaches at the plant which led to the scientist's death.

In addition, the firm - Britain's most advanced toxic waste plant - was ordered to pay £25,000 in costs.

Judge John Griffith Williams QC said: "This was a criminal waste of the young life which showed so much promise."

The court had heard how 28-year-old Dr Lane had only worked at the plant for seven weeks when he was killed by the lethal fumes in July 2001.

A lid on the tank which should have contained the fumes was "virtually non-existent", the court was told.

The family of Mr Lane, from Llanwern, near Newport, was in court on Monday to hear the company admit three breaches of health and safety regulations.

" Mr Lane told his father that most of the short time he worked at the plant he was concerned over safety issues. "
Prosecutor Philip Marshall

The chemist had raised concerns about safety at the plant with his family during his short working time there.

Prosecutor Philip Marshall said: "Mr Lane told his father that most of the short time he worked at the plant he was concerned over safety issues.

"In the laboratory there was a lack of expertise - her would often get phone calls even when not on duty asking for advice.

"He felt vulnerable after 5pm when no managers or experienced people were at the site."

Mr Marshall said there were major failings in systems of working and in the plant and equipment.

"The tanks should have lids and extraction systems but on this tank it was virtually non-existent because gases had corroded it.

"An extraction pipe which should have removed the dangerous gas was effectively useless."

Mr Marshall said the gas, which gives off the smell of rotten eggs, could paralyse the nervous system and be instantly fatal in high concentrations.

Passed out

The court heard that five months before the fatal accident another chemist had passed out after being exposed to the same gas at the plant.

Mr Marshall added: "This is a multi-million pound company.

"They should have had in place a system that would avoid anyone being exposed to this gas."

Defending, Jonathan Harvey said the incident was "exceptional" with a sudden evolution of a substantial quantity of gas.

"The incident should not have happened and it's a matter of great regret that it did," he said.