Pinnacle Renewable Energy has been fined $56,000 following a WorkSafeBC investigation into an explosion at the Pinnacle Pellet Plant in Burns Lake.
On October 9th 2014, three workers were injured when an explosion took place in one of the plants dryer systems during maintenance shutdown.
The WorkSafeBC investigation found workers did not follow Pinnacle’s written procedure during a dryer burner clean out. The burners manufacturers instructions were also not followed.
The Day Shift Operator was also out of the control room assisting with cleanup, as ordered by the Production Superintendant. As a result, the Day Shift Operator was not able to monitor or control the rising temperatures that led to the explosion.
A cooling fan was also shut down due to lack of coordination between the Production Superintendent, Lead Hand and a welder on staff.
The report says the fine against Pinnacle Renewable Energy is due to the company’s failure to maintain safe working conditions and to exercise due diligence.