A Bathurst train builder has admitted spraying a teenage apprentice with flammable liquid while he was welding, knowing it would catch alight, but denies the youth was being picked on.

David Hall was among several workers at the Bathurst plant of Downer EDI who allegedly subjected teenage apprentice Alec Meikle to relentless bullying after he joined the company in January 2008 at the age of 16.

Questioned: David Hall, who sprayed an apprentice with flammable liquid while he was welding, at the court on Monday. Credit:Ben Rushton

Ten months later, after a battle with depression and anxiety that psychiatrists believe was brought on by the treatment he received, Alec committed suicide.

On Monday, Mr Hall told the continuing inquest into Alec's death he had sprayed the teenager with contact cleaner as he welded a metal plate, knowing the solution would probably flare up.