WorkCover NSW issues alert on storing explosives

WorkCover NSW has issued an alert on the safe storage of explosives, particularly on farm properties, following serious injuries to a farmer. The man is in a critical condition at Sydney’s Royal North Shore Hospital after a spark from cutting or welding equipment ignited detonator cord in a farm shed.

The man suffered 60% burns to his body, a severed left foot and chest injuries.

“This terrible incident highlights the danger of explosives and the need to ensure that explosive materials are correctly stored,” said WorkCover NSW General Manager OHS John Watson. “A WorkCover investigation is underway and initial indications are that a detonator cord has been accidentally ignited by welding or cutting equipment in the farm workshop. A similar incident last year resulted in a fatality when sparks from an angle grinder ignited improperly stored explosives.”

WorkCover urges all explosives users to take action now to ensure that the explosives in their possession are correctly stored. Advice on how to correctly store explosives and associated equipment is available from the WorkCover information centre on 13 10 50.

Detailed requirements for users of explosives are also available in the WorkCover Fact Sheet 10: ‘Use of explosives by licensed blasters’.