A car wash firm in Devon has been fined £40,000 after failing to protect workers and members of the public from electrical safety risks.
HSE visited Best Car Wash Ltd in Tavistock between July 2021 and November 2022. Workers used pressure washers and vacuum cleaners outdoors without a safe electrical installation, leading to five enforcement notices that went unheeded until April 2023.
The company finally had a competent person inspect, test, and repair the installation. HSE found that the failure to comply prolonged electrical hazards for vulnerable workers.
Best Car Wash Ltd pleaded guilty in absentia to breaching the Electricity at Work Regulations and the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. It was fined £40,000 with £3,164 in costs on 6 June 2024.
Inspector Helena Allum said HSE will prosecute companies that fail to comply with enforcement notices and reminded employers of their duty to ensure safe working methods.
