Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue and Service (HIWFRS) is urging owners of printing machines covered by a recent UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) product safety warning to contact the service.
The product safety warning has been issued by the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after two explosions involving Diferro sublimation printing machines.
The HSE is investigating a possible link between an explosion at a printer’s workshop on a Swindon Industrial Estate on 24 September this year and the explosion at Treforest Industrial Estate in South Wales in December 2023, which sadly led to a fatality.
The HSE is trying to identify other users of similar printing machines due to the potential risk of a BLEVE- Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion. They are taking steps to prevent any other Diferro machines coming into the UK and they have also recently updated guidance for owners of these products; reinforcing the advice that the device should not be left unattended when connected to the power supply.
The HSE has now updated the product safety report to include the following Diferro products: Sublimation Calender Presses – All Models featuring a sealed oil-filled heated drum – Including DP-series, MP-series, DM-series, DE-series, DR-series, DX-series, DF-series.
As the products listed are thought to present a serious risk of explosion and fire, HIWFRS is urging owners of these printing machines to make contact. HIWFRS will then be able to provide advice on appropriate arrangements for fire safety, emergency evacuation and response.
If you own one of these products, please contact us so we can advise you accordingly.
Use our online form or call us on 023 8064 4000 and select option 3 for general enquiries.
Our office hours are Mon – Thu from 8.30am to 5pm, Fri from 8.30am to 4.30pm.
