Beeston builder sentenced for Bulwell explosion that injured man

A builder who caused a gas explosion that badly burnt a worker has been sentenced.

Barry Newman, the sole trader of Foster Brother Builders, had placed a faulty heater connected to a propane gas cylinder in the basement of a property in Bulwell, Nottingham, to dry out damp.

But a leak from the heater led to an explosion on 22 November 2022 which blew out the front of the property he was refurbishing and injured a contractor.

After pleading guilty to breaching safety regulations, the 58-year-old, of The Quay, Beeston Marina, was given a one-year prison sentence, suspended for two years at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court.

Fire crews from six stations were called to the explosion in Commercial Road at about 12:00 GMT alongside a special rescue unit, police, ambulance, and the gas and electric suppliers.

Nine nearby properties were evacuated and one person was taken to hospital by air ambulance.

Inspector Roy Poulter, from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which investigated the blast, said it left the person “unable to work” and the explosion “could have easily resulted in someone losing their life”.

HSE said the 51-year-old man suffered “severe burn injuries” to his hands, legs, face and scalp.

Explosion debris was “propelled” into the road putting the public at risk, it added.

Investigations showed Newman failed to carry out a risk assessment and provide suitable and adequately maintained equipment.

HSE said it was used in a badly-ventilated area below ground it was not designed to be used in, as the gas is heavier than air and can pool if a leak happens.

Newman was also ordered to carry out 240 hours of unpaid work, and made to pay costs of £2,000 and a £187 victim surcharge.