Workers burned after generator fuel explodes in truck

A generator fuel explosion in the back of a truck has led to severe burns for two Queensland workers.

The incident occurred in February, when a generator in the back of a truck tipped over, causing the fuel to ignite.

On arrival at their destination, the workers opened the back of the truck and noticed a strong smell of fuel. They were in the truck and had uprighted the generator, ready to unload it, when the fuel vapours ignited.

Initial inquiries indicate that the generator was not secured in the back of the truck and may have overturned while the truck was traversing rough terrain at the worksite. Investigations are continuing.

Fire and explosion can result in catastrophic consequences, causing serious injuries or death of workers and others, as well as significant damage to property. PCBUs must prevent the possibility of fire or explosion from an ignition of flammable substances in areas which can have a hazardous atmosphere.

According to Workplace Health and Safety Queensland, transporting fuel, or equipment that carries fuel, poses additional risks that the PCBU must manage and control by ensuring that:

• hazards that may have a risk of fire or explosion have been identified
• fuel is stored and transported only in approved containers
• fuel containers and plant carrying fuel are adequately restrained to prevent spillage of the fuel
• suitable spills clean-up equipment and firefighting equipment is available.

Transporting fuel or other hazardous chemicals in the back of a truck or other vehicle may have increased risks of fire or explosion of vapours. This is due to poor ventilation and the inability to disperse heavier-than-air flammable vapours in the presence of potential ignition sources. Potential ignition sources can include hot surfaces (such as engines), friction sparks, static electricity discharges, portable electrical equipment and electrical circuits that are not intrinsically safe.

PCBUs should assess whether ventilation is adequate for any flammable or combustible liquids that are transported in their vehicles and develop suitable procedures to ensure that vapours have dissipated prior to workers entering the vehicle or truck body. Any spills must be cleaned up immediately. Any ignition source must also be controlled to eliminate the risk of fire or explosion. Workers should be adequately trained and supervised:

• in the nature of the risks associated with the flammable or combustible liquid, or any other hazardous chemicals
• in the storage, transportation, use and handling of flammable or combustible liquids
• in emergency procedures including suitable fire and rescue procedures.

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