Pre-inquest opens into death of man, 21, while working in Peterborough
George Setchfield was found by his manager in August 2020
Concerns over a liquid which a 21-year-old was exposed to while at work in Peterborough before he died have been raised at a pre-inquest review hearing.
George Setchfield suffered multiple organ failure, chemical pneumonitis and cutaneous burns from exposure to dichloromethane (DCM), hydrofluoric acid and methanol while working for Electrostatic Magic Limited in August 2020.
Mr Setchfield entered the company's stripping shed but was then found unconscious over the side of an intermediate bulk container, which had an alloy wheel stripper.
He was later found by his manager slumped over the side of the container, but could not be revived.
At the hearing at Lawrence Court, Huntingdon today (Tuesday), coroner Keith Morton KC read part of a statement from Amanda Foster, George's mum, who "raised concerns about the use of DCM in England and Wales generally and understanding across the industry of its risks."
In January, an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive found that Electrostatic Magic Limited had "failed to control exposure to DCM and hydrofluoric acid."
HSE said that it would have been "reasonably practicable for the company to install local exhaust ventilation and provide pumped chemical systems to prevent the need to lean into the IBC".
It also said any personal protective equipment or respiratory protective equipment provided "was suitable for the environment it was being used in".
Electrostatic Magic Limited were fined ÂŁ67,000 and ordered to pay ÂŁ7,231 in costs at Peterborough Magistrates' Court in January.
Mr Morton KC said an inquest is due to be held next year.