Story Highlight
– HSE investigates link between two industrial explosions.
– New safety guidelines issued for sublimation calender machines.
– Companies urged to halt operations if uncertain.
– Significant concerns raised about machine safety by HSE.
– Further revisions to safety report published today.
Full Story
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has renewed its call for caution concerning specific printing machinery following a significant explosion at a Swindon printing facility. This incident, which occurred on the night of 24 September, involved a sublimation calender machine manufactured by Diferro. Although there were fortunate no reported injuries, the HSE has expressed deep concerns regarding the safety protocols associated with these machines.
In a proactive response, the HSE has reached out to all known users of similar equipment, urging them to refer to updated guidelines introduced last year, and reaffirmed today, 10 October 2025. The agency, which functions as the market surveillance authority, is particularly keen for companies to halt operations involving these machines if there are any uncertainties regarding their safety.
The Swindon occurrence has drawn parallels to a tragic event in 2023 in South Wales at the Treforest Industrial Estate, where a blast resulted in the death of a director at a nearby food laboratory. As part of their ongoing investigation, the HSE is scrutinising the design of the printing machinery in question and is considering potential links between the two incidents, which have raised alarms about the construction standards and regulations for such devices.
To prevent further incidents, the HSE is actively attempting to locate other users of Diferro machinery sold through two identified distributors. Additionally, the regulator intends to collaborate with UK border officials to restrict any further imports of these machines into the country. This step is part of a broader initiative to ensure compliance with safety standards and prevent future accidents.
The review of the initial Product Safety Report, first issued in April 2024, has been expedited following the recent explosion. The HSE has made significant revisions to this report, stressing essential safety practices. Noteworthy among these is the guideline that machines should never be left unattended while connected to a power supply. Furthermore, it has been mandated that operations involving these machines must be halted until a second independent Safety-Related Control System (SRCS) is installed by qualified personnel and meets relevant safety standards.
Luke Messenger, who heads the Technical Product Safety division at HSE, commented on the serious implications of these incidents. “We have significant concerns about the safe use of these machines,” he stated. “The guidance issued following the Treforest Industrial Estate incident contains clear instructions; revisions to this have been published today, and we will continue to share any further updates. We never want to see a repeat of the fatality in 2023 or the recent catastrophic explosion in Swindon.”
The HSE’s role extends beyond the immediate investigation of incidents; it serves as the national regulator for workplace health and safety across Britain. The agency is dedicated to ensuring that workplaces are safe and healthy for all individuals and is committed to highlighting any risks associated with industrial machinery.
As the investigation into the Swindon incident unfolds, the HSE will assess whether to initiate a separate inquiry into the causes of the explosion itself, following established criteria for such decisions. Meanwhile, the emphasis remains on the urgent need for safety compliance among users of affected machinery to mitigate the risks of further incidents. The updates and guidance provided by the HSE are part of a concerted effort to enhance operational safety standards and protect lives within the printing industry and other sectors reliant on similar equipment.
In conclusion, the recent updates to the guidelines and the emphasis on vigilance reflect the HSE’s commitment to improving workplace safety and ensuring that a thorough investigation is maintained to prevent further tragedies.
Key Takeaways
– HSE investigates potential link between recent Swindon industrial explosion and previous incident in South Wales.
– Urgent guidance issued for companies using similar sublimation calender machines manufactured by Diferro following the explosion on 24 September.
– Machines should not be left unattended when powered; operations should cease until a second independent Safety-Related Control System is installed and verified.
– HSE reinforcing serious concerns about the safety of these machines, following fatalities in past incidents.
– Investigations into machine design and potential market surveillance measures are ongoing.
This is a timely reminder that when there is any doubt about equipment safety operations should stop immediately until a competent person can assess the risk. Employers must ensure machines are fitted with proper independent safety related controls, maintained and inspected regularly, and operators are trained on safe use and emergency procedures. Leaving powered machinery unattended is unacceptable. Those responsible for procurement and maintenance should review any similar equipment, follow HSE guidance and report concerns so lessons are learned and lives are protected.
This is a timely reminder that safety cannot be compromised. If there are doubts about equipment integrity or control systems they should be taken out of service until a competent inspection and any required upgrades are completed. Operators must not leave powered machines unattended and employers should install and verify independent safety related controls to prevent catastrophic failures. Clear procedures for risk assessment, maintenance and staff training are essential and regulators should ensure rapid dissemination of any critical guidance.