Explosion in confined space burns worker, company convicted and fined

Working with flammable chemicals in a confined space carries a significant level of risk. A company in Wodonga, Victoria, has been convicted and fined $25,000 after a vacuum cleaner being used to clean up flammable liquid triggered an explosion in a confined space and burned a worker.

Recoat Smash Repairs Pty Ltd pleaded guilty this week in the Wodonga Magistrate’s Court to one charge of failing to provide a safe system of work by failing to identify the risk of fire or explosion associated with the introduction of a potential ignition source into a confined space.

It was also ordered to pay $3430 costs.

The court heard that a worker who was employed as a manager entered a large, open-topped electrical transformer tank to prepare it for painting.

After applying a flammable solvent to wipe down the interior of the transformer, the manager used a wet/dry vacuum cleaner to remove excess liquid from the base.

About an hour into the task the worker restarted the vacuum and triggered an explosion.

The man received superficial burns to his face and neck, and deep tissue burns to both hands, and was airlifted to Melbourne for treatment.

WorkSafe Executive Director Health and Safety Marnie Williams said, “Employers have a clear duty to ensure that work which involves entering confined spaces is identified and that appropriate safety controls are put in place.

“They also need to ensure that the equipment used around dangerous goods, especially flammable materials with low flash points, does not heighten that risk.”

For more information, visit www.worksafe.vic.gov.au.