Haulbowline cadet canteen shut down after inspectors find exits locked and mould

There were also hazardous chemicals stored in open containers at the Haulbowline Naval Base in Cork late last year

A later report from January of this year raised concerns over the storage of chemicals and gas containers at the Haulbowline Naval Base. File picture: Larry Cummins

A health and safety inspection at Naval Service headquarters resulted in the shutting down of a cadet canteen area after emergency exits were found blocked as well as damp and mould.

An inspector from the Health and Safety Authority visited the Haulbowline Naval Base in Cork late last year discovering fire doors that weren’t being properly maintained, open attic space between buildings, and storage of hazardous chemicals in open containers.

There were serious issues with a cadet mess building on the base with lower emergency exits “blocked by stairs” along with evidence of damp and mould on walls and floors.

The health and safety inspector asked the Naval Service to conduct an immediate review of the building in terms of its “fitness for use or occupation”. In early January, the Defence Forces wrote to the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) to say it was no longer in active use.

A letter from Defence Forces Headquarters said: “I can confirm and as per [our] action plan the Naval Service Cadets Mess is not used to accommodate any personnel following HSA inspection. Cadets [and] personnel were moved to alternative accommodation within the base.” 

The HSA inspection found other issues at Haulbowline including “numerous slip, trip, and fall hazards” in kitchens, on stairs, along with the presence of “surprise steps” and uncovered drains.

The HSA said there were “almost no identified pedestrian walkways or crossing points,” and queried what speed limits were in place and why high-visibility clothing was not being worn by everybody on site.

The inspector reported that some emergency exits and routes were obstructed, and that there was a “non-standard fire escape ladder” in one building at Haulbowline.

Her report asked as well that a risk assessment take place on lifting operations after observing issues while an engine was being raised into the LÉ James Joyce offshore patrol vessel.

Other issues flagged included access to derelict buildings, the lack of signage for open water at quaysides, and the absence of hot water or soap for security personnel at a gate hut.

A later report from January of this year raised concerns over the storage of chemicals and gas containers at the Haulbowline Naval Base.

Another Health and Safety Authority inspector said he observed “open hazardous chemical containers venting to atmosphere” as well as freestanding gas cylinders in a compound area that were at risk of falling over.

The Naval Service had informed the HSA that works were planned on one part of the site. The inspector wrote in response: “There may be asbestos in some of the areas where these works are planned. An asbestos survey should be in place to identify location, type, condition, and [a] management plan.” 

Asked about the inspections, a spokesperson for the Health and Safety Authority said their responsibility was to enforce occupational safety and health law and promote safe workplaces.

The spokesperson said: “Inspections are carried out in all industry sectors and reports are utilised to document observations and to instruct improvements.

“It is the responsibility of all employers to ensure the health and safety of employees and others, such as members of the public, who may be affected by work activity.”