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Swindon Factory Explosion: HSE Issues Urgent Safety Warning Over Printing Equipment
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued an urgent safety warning to businesses using printing machinery following a catastrophic explosion at a Swindon industrial estate. The incident occurred on September 24, 2025, at a printing firm on the Groundwell Industrial Estate, where a Sublimation Calender Machine manufactured by Diferro was in operation. The explosion and subsequent fire destroyed the building, though fortunately, no injuries were reported (ITVX).
In response to the incident, the HSE has updated its guidance on the safe use of these machines. Key recommendations include: Do not leave the equipment unattended while connected to the power supply. Cease operations if there is any doubt about the machine’s safety. Install a second independent Safety-Related Control System (SRCS) by a competent person and validate it to appropriate standards (HSE Media Centre).
The HSE is also investigating a potential link between this incident and a similar explosion at the Treforest Industrial Estate in South Wales in 2023, which resulted in a fatality. Both incidents involved the same model of machine, raising concerns about its design and safety features (ITVX).
Businesses operating Sublimation Calender Machines are strongly advised to review the updated safety guidance and take immediate action to ensure compliance. The HSE is actively working to prevent further incidents and protect workers from potential hazards associated with this equipment.
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