A Labour Department investigation of an explosion at Kaitaia College that injured seven people has found shortcomings in the school's hazard management processes.
A teacher and six students were hurt in the blast in a metal work room in April. They suffered injuries ranging from lacerations to a fractured skull.
The department's report says ignition of leaking acetylene gas was the most likely cause of the explosion.
It says members of the teaching staff attempted to raise issues about the condition of the welding equipment. But the report says that due to failures in the reporting process, there was nothing to indicate the school board or principal were aware of the extent of the potential hazard.
The department has recommended a number of changes to the school's hazard management system, but won't take formal action.
It will also work with the Ministry of Education to make sure lessons from the Kaitaia College incident are shared with other schools.
The stepfather of a boy who was seriously injured in the classroom explosion says he is pleased the school is not being prosecuted. Craig Rogers says he is happy with the outcome of the investigation.
He says a prosecution would take much needed money from the school, which could be used to ensure such an incident does not happen again.
