When does an explosion or fire need to be reported under RIDDOR?

An explosion or fire must be reported under RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations) when it results in significant risk of death. This requirement ensures that serious incidents are documented and investigated, which is essential for improving health and safety practices in the workplace. Reporting significant risks allows for the identification of potential hazards and prevention of future incidents that could result in severe injury or fatality.

Incidents that pose a significant risk of death not only reflect on immediate safety concerns but also highlight underlying issues in workplace safety protocols. This helps organizations implement necessary changes to safeguard their employees and visitors, fostering a culture of continuous improvement in health and safety standards.

The other options involve either trivial incidents that do not warrant documentation under RIDDOR or scenarios where the risks are minimal, thereby not meeting the threshold for reporting as stipulated by the regulations.