Safety worries at park after audit finds ‘major hazards’
MAJOR hazards at Glynneath’s Welfare Park and cemetery have been identified. A report following a health and safety audit has emphasised the importance of addressing the major hazards in the Neath Valley park’s workshop and storage space as a failure to do so could result in a criminal prosecution.
Glynneath Town Council has said it is trying to urgently deal with all points raised by the report, dated May 18, 2018, but that in the meantime the park is safe for public use.
This is despite the audit finding that a brook, which is covered for most of its route by metal cladding, has two areas where it isn’t covered, which is a danger to the public.
It also said the contents of two first aid boxes were marked with the useby date of 2006, adding that two members of staff in the park are not Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checked.
The report said of the park’s workshop and storage area: “A major concern is the electrical installation, which is not only dangerous, it could lead to a fatal injury and must receive immediate attention by a competent electrician.
“Cables are exposed and are not protected or enclosed in metal conduit.
“The risk of electric shock and fire is considered an extremely high risk and needs immediate attention.”
It found that chemicals, including fuels, petrol, diesel and fertiliser, present a major risk in the event of a fire, especially the storage of petrol and diesel in the same location.
It said: “There are three 45-gallon drums of diesel stored within the workshop with various quantities contained within each and, given the close proximity to the domestic housing in Addoldy Road, it could cause a major incident if they were to catch fire.”
The audit found it would be better to demolish the building and construct a new one.
A spokesman for Glynneath Town Council said they commissioned the health and safety audit in order to ascertain the extent of any work needed in the Welfare Park to ensure compliance with health and safety requirements.
He added: “Subsequent to the report, a number of experts have been brought in, and these confirm that the council has an adequate plan in place to carry out all necessary tasks, and that the park in the meantime is safe for use by council employees and members of the public. The current administration recognises the concerns highlighted in the report and are trying to urgently deal with all points raised.”
The spokesman added the council had sought guidance from experts and now has an adequate plan in place to move forward, with many issues having already been rectified.
“Following advice and information from these experts we can confirm that the park is safe for public use,” he added.
In their response, the town council has said that an electrical firm had visited the site and that they have found that, although the wiring isn’t adequate, they don’t feel it is lifethreatening.