AN ENGINEERING firm where a worker died in a welding accident was today due to face charges that it broke health and safety regulations.

The prosecution at Reedley Magistrates Court follows an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive into the death of Christopher Nolan, 24, at Graham Engineering, Edward Street, Nelson, on February 10 2000.

Mr Nolan, of Grindlestone Hurst, Colne, collapsed while working alone fabricating a large stainless steel bin.

It is alleged that between January 1 and February 10 last year staff at Graham Engineering were allowed to work on stainless steel boxes while argon gas was pumped inside backing plates inside the boxes and no assessment of the hazards created by the accumulation of asphyxiant gases inside the boxes had been carried out.

It is also alleged that during the same period employees were permitted to enter the boxes to position backing plates, when it was reasonably practical to do the work without entry.

If the case is proved, magistrates could fine the company, which employs around 100 people, up to £5,000 for each breach or send the case to crown court where the maximum penalty is unlimited.