Handyman fairly dismissed after accidentally creating mustard gas

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 14 Oct, 09:08 · Archive

A handyman was fairly dismissed after inadvertently creating mustard gas at a university gym.

Anthony Brown worked for facilities management company Pinnacle FM Limited for seven years before his dismissal in November 2024. An employment tribunal has found the dismissal fair, ruling that he wilfully breached health and safety rules.

On 12 October 2024, Mr Brown was responsible for topping up chemicals and testing pool water at the University of Hertfordshire. He wedged open the chlorine tap with a piece of wood before stepping outside to answer a phone call. Upon returning, he discovered the tank had overflowed. He then found another spillage in a different room containing sodium bisulphate. Attempting to clean both spillages with a liquid vacuum and flushing it with water, he inadvertently created mustard gas. After experiencing side effects, Mr Brown notified his manager, prompting the fire service to attend and the pool and gym to be evacuated.

An internal investigation concluded that whilst Mr Brown had intended a "good deed", he had actually increased the risk of harm to himself and others. The tribunal found that his long service record could not outweigh the serious breach of health and safety rules that had occurred.

How it is being reported

• Handyman who 'inadvertently' made mustard gas at Hertfordshire pool sackedA man who "inadvertently" made mustard gas while working at a swimming pool in Hertfordshire was rightfully sacked, a tribunal has found.Herts Advertiser · 14 Oct, 09:55
• Handyman who 'inadvertently' made mustard gas at Hertfordshire pool sackedA man who "inadvertently" made mustard gas while working at a swimming pool in Hertfordshire was rightfully sacked, a tribunal has found.The Comet · 14 Oct, 09:55
• Handyman 'accidentally created mustard gas' at Uni of Hertfordshire, tribunal findsA handyman who “inadvertently” created mustard gas, leading to a university gym being evacuated, was fairly dismissed, a tribunal has found.Watford Observer · 13 Oct, 13:45

In this story: Anthony Brown · Pinnacle FM Limited · University of Hertfordshire

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