WorkSafeBC has fined a Prince George-based machinery manufacturer nearly $50,000 for defying a Prince George Fire Rescue order to stop use of a faulty spray painting booth.
Matters came to a head for BID Group Technologies Ltd. in March when a fire broke out in the booth at its Del-Tech Manufacturing Division on Penn Road, almost four years to the day from when PGFR had issued the order, according to a WorkSafeBC inspection report.
An inspection determined a ceramic heater in a connected structure that housed the main building's ventilation system likely set off the fire.
"As well, the spray booth was not wired correctly or properly ventilated for spraying flammable coatings, and there were several other ignition risks present, including electrical sockets and an electric heater that were not explosion-proof, and an open drip-proof motor," according to a WorkSafeBC website posting.
"The firm failed to ensure that all ignition sources were eliminated or adequately controlled where flammable liquids are used, stored, or handled."
PGFR had issued the order because the booth and its components were not designed for the flammable coatings being used.
About a month after the fire, BID submitted a notice to WorkSafeBC indicating compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation has been achieved.
In all, BID was fined $49,583.09 and the fine was levied in July.
