NSCA Foundation

Chemical explosion seriously burns two workers


Thursday, 14 June, 2018

Chemical explosion seriously burns two workers

Two Queensland workers have sustained serious injuries from a fire that may have been caused by an explosion.

According to a Workplace Health and Safety Queensland incident alert, the workers were combining chemicals in a four-bay metal garage in May 2018 when the injuries occurred.

Both workers needed hospital treatment for serious burns, and investigations are ongoing.

The incident alert states that flammable liquids, including petrol, ethanol and solvents, give off hazardous vapours which can ignite if not properly managed. Transferring fuel from one container to another can create static electricity, which can also cause vapours to ignite.

It goes on to advise that risk of vapours igniting in a confined space must be managed by ensuring that:

  • the work area is well ventilated
  • voids or compartments that may harbour a flammable atmosphere are identified
  • the work area is monitored for flammable gasses or vapours
  • the work area or vessel has been purged of residual fuels or oil
  • all ignition sources have been removed, isolated or controlled
  • any hot work is undertaken by qualified people using a hot work permit system
  • if there is a risk of fire, an observer is in place with appropriate firefighting equipment.
     

Image credit: ©iStockphoto.com/Kesu01

NSCA Foundation is a member based, non-profit organisation working together with members to improve workplace health and safety throughout Australia. For more information and membership details click here
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