Boston Magistrates' Court was told on Monday how health and safety practices surrounding the use of glutaraldehyde, a hardening agent in the developing fluid of an X-ray machine, had not been in place for employees.

The chemical is a sensitiser which can cause severe skin irritation and affect lung function.

An investigation in 2006 by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed risk assessments had not been carried out, monitoring was not completed, and the necessary control measures for the substance had not been in place in the radiology department at Pilgrim Hospital, said Joanna Anderson from HSE.

The chemical had potentially been the cause of skin problems for employee Anna Chapman who was responsible for cleaning the x-ray machine rollers, the court was told.

Mrs Anderson told magistrates how the only protective equipment provided had been a dust mask which was 'wholly unsuitable', a latex glove, goggles, and an apron.

However Richard Tyrell, representing ULHT, said questions had been raised whether the employee's condition related to her work.
ULHT pleaded guilty to charges dating back to May 17, 2006, of failing to ensure the health and safety of employees, and to failing to make and give appropriate arrangements for the health and safety of
employees.

A prohibition notice was served to the hospital to stop using the substance, which was then lifted in September 2006, after the trust had satisfied HSE that measures had been put in place.

A new system has since been installed at the Pilgrim, meaning glutaraldehyde is no longer used in the machine, added Mr Tyrell.
Mr Tyrell told the court how cleaning of the machine had stopped four or five weeks before the HSE visit, an action plan had been implemented, risk assessment forms produced, and training in relation to the cleaning process carried out in August 2006.

He added that fans and drains were also to be checked on a weekly basis.
On sentencing, chairman Sally McCracken said there had 'been a clear failure of management to such an extent they had stopped doing spirometric testing (to test lung
function) and failed to identify glutaraldehyde was being used', making an 'appalling catalogue of mismanagement'.

She added: "The fact that there was no injury to employees is considered luck."

ULHT has been fined £15,000 for failing to ensure the health and safety of employees, £3,500 for failing to make and give effect to appropriate arrangements for the health and safety of employees, and ordered to pay £3,504.80 in costs, and a £15 victim surcharge.