nuclear-news

Two members of staff at Meyer Group Ltd, Bromborough, were put in charge of a “low intensity x-ray scope” which they used to check the inside of kettles sent back as faulty.

The machine, which was brought from China, was used for four months between 2002 and 2003 and again for nineteen months between 2007 and 2009 during a second product recall.

But unknown to the workers they were using the scope, which emitted “ionising radiation” for twice the recommended daily limit, because they couldn’t understand the instructions.

Nigel Lawrence, prosecuting, told Liverpool Crown Court one of the workers was assured the machine was safe by a Chinese colleague who told him how to use it.

But it wasn’t until he asked for the instructions to be translated years later he realised he was in danger……..

Mr Lawrence said: “Any adverse health effects may not be known for many many years.”

The company later pleaded guilty to failing to ensure safety of workers and breaching regulations relating to working with radiation……

Judge Graham Morrow said that anyone who ever had an x-ray would know that radiation was potentially hazardous.

He will deliver his sentence this afternoon and is expected to fine the company tens of thousands of pounds.http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/mersey-meyer-group-ltd-workers-4870083