Defence Forces warned it could be prosecuted for safety breaches over staff exposure to hazardous chemicals

Health and Safety Authority inspectors visited hangars and workshops at Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnel, Co Dublin, in December 2023, and numerous issues were raised in relation to health and safety of staff.

The Defence Forces was warned it could be prosecuted over health and safety breaches in the air corps in 2023, more than seven years after issues were first raised.

Health and Safety Authority (HSA) inspectors visited hangars and workshops at Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnel, Co Dublin, in December 2023, and numerous issues were raised in relation to health and safety of staff.

Details of the inspection have been released, as up to 20 men are taking a case against the State, claiming exposure to hazardous chemicals while working for the air corps.

They say they were not provided with personal protective equipment (PPE), or training in the handling or use of hazardous chemicals.

After the 2023 inspection, the HSA warned the Air Corps: “Failure to comply with this advice and relevant legal requirements may result in further enforcement action, including prosecution.” 

On the day of the inspection, the HSA issued the Defence Forces with a contravention notice in relation to staff working with diisocyanates, which are highly reactive toxic chemicals used in foams, coatings, adhesives, and sealants.

Occupational exposure can cause severe asthma and, in some cases, cancer.

The HSA found not all staff using mixtures containing over 0.1% of these chemicals were trained on how to handle such mixtures.

The HSA inspection warning in December 2023 followed one previously issued in 2016, when inspectors noted the air corps was operating in contravention of health and safety regulations.

That warning led to a public outcry and a review of whistleblowers' complaints about health and safety breaches in the air corps.

In the 2023 inspection, out-of-date hazardous chemicals were observed, and the HSA advised “these should be removed and disposed of by a licensed disposal operator”.

Dust that could potentially contain chromium  or “other hazardous compounds” was also observed.

The Defence Forces was instructed to “risk assess the preparation room and all equipment used within in terms of the potential for explosive atmospheres at places of work”.

The air corps was advised to “ensure chemical spills are cleaned up promptly and minimise evaporation of hazardous chemicals to [the] work area by ensuring all containers, funnels, wipes, used PPE etc are closed / stored in sealed containers when not in use”.

The water supply to, among other things, emergency showers in the hanger was deemed to “present Legionella risk” and the inspector advised Legionella risk assessment should be prepared “to ensure exposure risk is managed safely at site”.

In response, the air corps promised to update its chemical awareness training course to include the use of chemical substances that contain isocyanates.