Fife Council has been fined for serious safety failings after workers struck and ruptured an underground gas pipe releasing almost four tonnes of gas, the HSE has said.

Some 100 homes and businesses, as well as a primary school, were evacuated following the incident at the council's Milesmark Depot in Carnock Road, Dunfermline, on 11 June 2010.

Earlier this month, Dunfermline Sheriff Court heard that although there were no casualties as a result of the incident, members of the public were put at risk of injury or death.

The court was told that drainage works were being carried out at the depot by the council's own employees, and on the day of the incident the employees – who were not supervised – decided to excavate a new trench, unaware a decision had been taken the day before not to dig in that particular area.

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During the excavation, using a hand held power tool and mechanical digger, they exposed and disturbed whinstone dust, which is an indicator of the presence of gas or water pipes. In spite of this, they continued the excavation and the digger struck and ruptured a gas valve on a six-inch pressure main.

The workers immediately evacuated the area and reported the incident, while emergency services and Scottish Gas Networks were called to the scene. Properties within the area had to be evacuated for five hours while the damage was repaired.

A subsequent investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed various failings by the council including:

• Failure to assess the risks to members of the public near the depot

• Failure to provide and maintain a safe system of work for the excavation, which included failing to refer to utility plans showing the location of underground services and failing to use devices or hand tools to locate underground services

• Failure to provide the necessary information, instruction and supervision to the excavation works to ensure the health and safety of nearby members of the public.

Fife Council was fined £24,000 after pleading guilty to breaching Sections 2 and 3 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.

(JP/IT)