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HSE launches investigation into Phillips 66 steam leak

The Health and Safety Executive has launched an official investigation into a steam leak at a South Killingholme refinery which left two people seriously injured.

HSE inspectors will be looking into the cause of the incident which occurred around 9.30am, Wednesday 30th October, at the plant owned by Phillips 66.

The steam leak inflicted injuries to two people who were transported by air ambulance to the burns unit at Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield.

A HSE spokeswoman, in comments reported by the Grimsby Telegraph, said the Regulator had “been notified of the incident and will be investigating”.

“We will be involving Humberside Police who may take the lead as they are serious injuries, and HSE inspectors will be on the site today.”

Phillips 66 said they were “offering support and assistance” to the families of those injured.

First reportable incident in six years

The steam leak is the first reportable Occupational Safety and Health Association incident to hit Phillips 66 in six years.

In April 2001 the company, then called ConocoPhillips, was fined more than £1 million after a massive explosion ripped through the plant.

The blast, which was triggered by a gas leak, shattered windows and knocked people off their feet in surrounding villages. Remarkably, only one worker suffered minor cuts.

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