Devon Car Wash Firm Fined ￡40,000 for Electrical Safety Violations

Best Car Wash Ltd in Tavistock, Devon, has been fined ￡40,000 for repeatedly failing to protect its workers and the public from electrical safety hazards.

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The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) conducted several inspections of the car wash facility between July 2021 and November 2022. During these visits, investigators observed that employees were using electrical equipment, such as pressure washers and vacuum cleaners, outdoors. However, the company did not ensure that the electrical installations were constructed or maintained to prevent danger, posing significant risks to both employees and the public. As a result, HSE issued five enforcement notices to the company.

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Despite these notices, follow-up inspections revealed that the company had not complied with the required safety measures. It wasn't until April 2023 that a qualified individual finally inspected, tested, and repaired the electrical installations.

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The HSE's investigation concluded that the company's delay in addressing the initial enforcement notices prolonged the electrical safety risks faced by its vulnerable workers.

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Best Car Wash Ltd, located on Plymouth Road in Tavistock, Devon, did not appear at Plymouth Magistrates’ Court. Consequently, they were found guilty in absentia of violating Section 3(1) of the Electricity at Work Regulations and Regulation 33(1)(g) of the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974. The court imposed a fine of ￡40,000 and ordered the company to pay costs amounting to ￡3,164 on June 6, 2024.

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Following the hearing, HSE Principal Inspector Helena Allum commented, “We can and will prosecute if companies fail to comply with enforcement notices. Those in control of work have a responsibility to ensure safe methods of working. The dangers associated with electricity in a work environment are well known, and a wealth of advice and guidance is freely available from HSE.”