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AWE admits safety breach over 2010 Aldermaston fire AWE admits safety breach over 2010 Aldermaston fire
(34 minutes later)
The Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) has pleaded guilty to a health and safety breach over a fire at its Berkshire site in August 2010.The Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) has pleaded guilty to a health and safety breach over a fire at its Berkshire site in August 2010.
Ashley Emery, 29, from Basingstoke, Hampshire, burnt his left arm and face at the company's Aldermaston base.Ashley Emery, 29, from Basingstoke, Hampshire, burnt his left arm and face at the company's Aldermaston base.
The company will be sentenced at Reading Crown Court later for the fire in a building which housed explosives.The company will be sentenced at Reading Crown Court later for the fire in a building which housed explosives.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) brought a single prosecution under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) brought a single prosecution under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
Warheads for Trident, the UK's submarine-launched ballistic missile, are built and maintained at the AWE site.Warheads for Trident, the UK's submarine-launched ballistic missile, are built and maintained at the AWE site.
'Fireball erupted''Fireball erupted'
Mr Emery's burns were caused by a fireball erupting in his face from a "bubbling" mixture he was preparing in the manufacture of explosives.Mr Emery's burns were caused by a fireball erupting in his face from a "bubbling" mixture he was preparing in the manufacture of explosives.
AWE accepted Mr Emery had been working for more than 12 hours when the fire broke out.AWE accepted Mr Emery had been working for more than 12 hours when the fire broke out.
The HSE criticised AWE for a lack of proper awareness of dangerous materials.
It accepted a failure to recognise the risks of materials involved in manufacture of explosives and a failure to reflect that in its processes.
Protective clothing provided to employees was also deemed unsuitable by the HSE and was heard to carry a label saying "keep away from flames".
An AWE investigation found electrostatic discharge to be the most likely cause of the fire.An AWE investigation found electrostatic discharge to be the most likely cause of the fire.
The court heard no radioactive material was involved in the fire, which was under control within five hours, having started at 21:00 BST on 3 August 2010.The court heard no radioactive material was involved in the fire, which was under control within five hours, having started at 21:00 BST on 3 August 2010.
It was dealt with by AWE's on-site services and firefighters from Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service.It was dealt with by AWE's on-site services and firefighters from Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service.
The prosecution said AWE's firefighters were not aware of the presence of explosives when they arrived at the blaze. They withdrew when they were informed.The prosecution said AWE's firefighters were not aware of the presence of explosives when they arrived at the blaze. They withdrew when they were informed.
The homes of 14 local residents were evacuated, with people spending the night in hotels in Aldermaston and Basingstoke.The homes of 14 local residents were evacuated, with people spending the night in hotels in Aldermaston and Basingstoke.
An investigation by the HSE found issues with the control systems that were in place.An investigation by the HSE found issues with the control systems that were in place.